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PRINCETON,     N.     J 

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Division.ClL.d..... 

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Number 

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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/psalterOOgree 


Sottas  from  tbe  psalter 


BY 

RICHARD  ARNOLD  GREENE 


§^jy& 


G.  P.  PUTNAM'S  SONS 
NEW  YORK  &  LONDON 
Cbe  "Knickerbocker  press 

1899 


Copyright,  1899 

BY 

RICHARD   ARNOLD  GREENE 

Entered  at  Stationers'  Hall,  London 


XTbe  "Knickerbocker  press,  "Hew  ffiorfc 


To 
MY  FATHER  AND  MOTHER 

THIS    BOOK 

IS   DEDICATED    WITH    HEARTY   LOVE 

BY 

THEIR    GRATEFUL   SON 


CONTENTS 


A  Parable  

A  Song  of  Thanksgiving  . 
A  Song  of  the  Redeemed 
Call  to  Praise  .... 
Creation's  Praise 
Elegy  of  the  Captivity   . 

Finale  

God,  our  Refuge  and  Strength 
Hallelujah  Song 
Jehovah's  Exaltation 
Jehovah's  Loving-Kindness 
Jehovah's  Salvation 
Jehovah's  Worthiness  of  Praise 
Life  as  a  Fleeting  Day    . 
Life's  Brief  Measure 
Meditation  on  Simplicity 

Penitence 

Prayer  for  the  Shining  of  God's 

Prelude        

Song  of  Home    .... 
Song  of  the  Exile    . 
Sowing  and  Reaping. 
The  Ascendancy  of  Man  . 
The  Avenging  Lord  . 
The  Blessed  Home    . 
The  Blessed  Life 
The  Conquering  King 
The  Exile's  Meditation   . 


Face 


SALM 

PAGE 

49 

37 

IOO 

73 

107 

73 

67 

45 

148 

107 

137 

102 

in 

46 

35 

114 

85 

97 

65 

116 

87 

98 

68 

95 

62 

90 

55 

39 

28 

131 

IOI 

5i 

40 

80 

50 

1 

127 

97 

120 

89 

126 

96 

8 

7 

144 

104 

128 

98 

1 

3 

2 

5 

124 

94 

VI 


CONTENTS 


The  Exile's  Prayer  . 

The  Glorious  Gates  . 

The  Goodness  of  the  Lord 

The  Good  Shepherd . 

The  Hills  of  God    . 

The  Ideal  King 

The  Joys  of  God's  House 

The  King's  Daughter 

The  King's  Protector 

The  Lord's  Majesty 

The  Lord,  our  Light  and  our  Salvation 

The  Lord's  Pavilion 

The  Man  of  Honor  . 

The  Penitent  Exile  . 

The  Pilgrim  Saluting  Jerusalem 

The  Portion  of  the  Righteous 

The  Praises  of  the  King 

The  Praises  of  the  Saints 

The  Promise  of  the  Resurrection 

The  Reigning  Lord  . 

The  Strength  of  Zion     . 

The  Strong  Deliverer 

The  Sure  Hiding-Place    . 

The  True  Heart's  Desire 


PSALM 

PAGE 

123 

93 

24 

13 

103 

75 

23 

12 

121 

90 

no 

83 

84 

53 

45 

32 

61 

43 

93 

61 

27 

15 

9i 

58 

15 

9 

130 

99 

122 

91 

37 

23 

72 

47 

149 

109 

16 

10 

99 

7i 

125 

95 

34 

20 

32 

18 

42 

30 

Iprelufce 

praise  ge  tbe  XorD. 

praise  <3oo  in  Ibts  sanctuary ; 

praise  1btm  in  tbe  firmament  of  Ibis  power. 

praise  1bim  for  Ibis  mfgbtg  acts : 

praise  1bim  according  to  Ibis  excellent  greatness. 

praise  1bim  witb  tbe  souno  of  tbe  trumpet : 

praise  Ibim  witb  tbe  psaltery  anD  barp. 

praise  1bim  witb  tbe  timbrel  ano  Dance : 

praise  1bim  witb  stringeo  instruments  anD  tbe  pipe, 

praise  1bim  upon  tbe  iouD  cymbals ; 

praise  1bim  upon  tbe  btgb^sounoing  cymbals. 

Uet  evergtbfng  tbat  batb  breatb  praise  tbe  XorD. 

praise  se  tbe  XorD. 


SONGS   FROM  THE  PSALTER 


THE    BLESSED    LIFE 

OH !  the  rich  blessedness,  the  bounteous  blessing 
The  happy  man  commands 
Whose  feet  th'  ungodly's  paths  are  never  pressing, — 
E'en  he  who  never  stands 

Within  the  ways  where  sinners  are  found  treading, 

Beguiling  foolish  feet, — 
Who  spurning,  dreadeth  with  a  righteous  dreading 

To  take  the  scorner's  seat: 

But  in  Jehovah's  law  is  his  sweet  pleasure; 

And  in  His  law  doth  he 
By  daytime  meditate,  and  through  the  measure 

Of  night's  serenity. 

And  ne  shall  be  like  to  a  tree  whose  planting 

Is  by  the  water-streams, 
That,  when  its  season  comes,  its  fruit  is  granting, 

Whose  leaf,  unwithered,  gleams. 


4  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

Whate'er  he  doth  at  true  success  arriveth; 

The  wicked  are  not  so ; 
But  like  unto  the  chaff  the  wind  far  driveth 

Where'er  it  lists  to  go. 

So,  in  the  Judgment  they  shall  have  no  station 

Who  wickedly  do  here; 
Nor  ever  in  the  righteous  congregation 

Shall  sinning  ones  appear. 

For  all  the  way  of  righteous  souls  He  knoweth,- 

The  Lord  who  reigns  on  high: 
But  for  the  way  of  wicked  ones, — it  goeth 

The  deadly  death  to  die. 


THE   CONQUERING   KING 

WHY  thus  in  tumult  are  the  nations  crying  ? 
Why  are  the  people's  thoughts  so  vain  ? 
The  kings  of  earth  their  stubborn  deeds  are  plying; 
The  rulers  counsels  entertain 

Against  the  Lord  and  His  Anointed,  saying: 
"  Their  bands  asunder  let  us  break; 

The  cords  with  which  to  snare  us  they  're  arraying 
To  farthest  distance  let  us  shake." 

How  He  shall  laugh  who  in  the  heav'ns  is  sitting  ! 

The  Lord  shall  look  on  them  in  scorn. 
He  '11  speak  to  them  in  anger  unremitting, 

In  sore  displeasure  make  them  mourn: 

Yet  have  I  to  my  holy  hill  uplifted 

Him  whom  I  chose  should  reign, — my  king, — 
Him  who  with  mighty  favor  hath  been  gifted — 

Him  to  Mount  Zion  did  I  bring. 

I  '11  tell  of  the  decree: — To  me  proclaiming, 
The  Lord  did  say:   "  Thou  art  my  Son; 

This  day  I  've  Thee  begotten,  Thee  am  naming: 
Ask  what  Thou  wilt;  it  shall  be  done — 


6  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

11  Ask,  and  I  '11  make  Thee  heir  of  all  the  nations; 

Earth's  farthest  parts  shalt  Thou  possess: 
With  iron  rod  Thou  'It  scatter  their  foundations, 

And  dash  them  in  chaotic  mess, 

"  Like  vessels  of  the  potter,  crushed  and  broken." — 
Now,  therefore,  be  ye  wise,  O  kings: 

Ye  judges  of  the  earth,  be  guided  by  this  token 
Which  highest  wisdom  to  you  brings. 

Oh,  serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  with  fear  rejoicing — 

Kiss  ye  the  Son  lest  wroth  He  be, 
And  from  the  way  ye  fall,  nor  hear  Him  voicing 

The  pardon  which  He  offers  free. 

For  soon  will  flame  His  wrath  in  direful  burning — 

How  wonderfully  they  are  blest 
Who  to  the  Lord  in  trustfulness  returning 

Shall  find  in  trusting  Him  their  rest! 


THE   ASCENDENCY   OF   MAN 

HOW  excellent,  Lord,  O  Lord,  our  Lord, 
In  all  the  earth  's  Thy  name! 
Thy  glory  Thou  hast  shed  abroad 

Above  the  heavens'  frame — 
From  babes'  and  sucklings'  mouths  hast  Thou 

Firmly  established  strength, 
Because  of  those  that  fight  Thee  now, 

That  Thou  might' st  still  at  length 
Him  who  is  hostile  found  and  him 
Who  worketh  plots  of  vengeance  grim. 

When  I  behold  Thy  heavens  high, — 

The  work  Thy  fingers  planned, — 
The  moon  and  all  the  starry  sky 

Appointed  by  Thy  hand — 
Oh,  what  is  man  that  Thou  should' st  hold 

Him  always  in  Thy  mind  ? 
And  to  the  son  of  man  of  old 

Why  comest  Thou  so  kind  ? 
Just  less  than  angels  him  hast  made, 
With  fame  and  honor's  crown  arrayed. 

Him  madest  Thou  like  unto  kings 
Thy  handiwork  to  keep; 


SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

Under  his  feet  hast  put  all  things, — 
All  oxen  and  all  sheep — 

Yea,  and  the  beasts  which  tread  the  grass- 
Bird,  fish,  where'er  they  be — 

Whatever  kinds  of  creature  pass 
Through  the  deep  paths  of  sea; 

How  excellent  Thy  name  is  found, 

O,  Lord,  our  Lord,  the  earth  around! 


THE    MAN   OF   HONOR 

JEHOVAH,  who  shall  be  residing 
Within  Thy  Tabernacle  blest  ? 
Uplifted,  in  sweet  peace  abiding, 

Who  in  Thy  Holy  Hill  shall  rest  ? 
He  who  in  upright  walks  takes  part, 

Who  righteousness  is  ever  seeking, — 
He  who  within  his  very  heart 

The  words  of  truthfulness  is  speaking; 

Whose  tongue  shall  never  move  in  slander, 

Who  doth  no  evil  to  his  friend, 
Nor  for  a  neighbor's  hurt  doth  pander, — 

By  whom  he  that  to  vice  doth  tend 
Is  held  in  no  esteem  at  all; — 

But  on  all  them  who  God  are  fearing 
His  marks  of  signal  honor  fall, 

Before  the  face  of  man  appearing. 

He  that  to  his  own  hurt  is  swearing, 

He  who  is  found  unchanging  still; 
He  who,  in  nowise,  shall  be  caring 

With  usury  his  purse  to  fill; 
And  he  who  takes  no  recompense 

Against  the  innocent  around  him: — 
For  him  who  doeth  thus, — a  fence 

Of  true  security  shall  bound  him. 

9 


THE  PROMISE  OF  THE  RESURRECTION 

KEEP  me,  O  God;  I  trust  in  Thee— 
Unto  Jehovah  I  have  cried: 
11  My  Lord,  Thou  dost  belong  to  me; 

With  Thee  alone  my  good  doth  bide." 
As  for  the  saintly  company 

That  on  this  earth  of  ours  reside, — 
With  excellence  their  souls  are  bright, 
In  whom,  behold  all  my  delight. 

Their  sorrows  shall  increase  apace 
That  for  another  god  exchange 

Jehovah:   I  will  find  no  place 

For  off' ring  their  oblation  strange 

Of  drink  and  blood;  for  such  disgrace 
Mine  altar  I  will  ne'er  arrange; 

Nor  will  I  with  my  lips  proclaim 

Their  faithless  and  rebellious  name. 

The  Lord  of  mine  inheritance 
And  of  my  cup  is  the  blest  share; 

My  lot  Thou  givest  maintenance; 

My  pleasant  lines  Thou  dost  prepare; 

To  goodly  gifts  I  shall  advance, — 
An  heritage  supremely  fair — 

I  '11  bless  the  Lord  who  gives  me  light; 

My  reins  instruct  me  in  the  night. 

10 


THE   PROMISE   OF  THE    RESURRECTION      II 

I  've  ever  placed  before  mine  eyes 

The  Lord:  since  He  's  at  my  right  hand 

I  shall  be  moved  not  any  wise — 
So  gladly  doth  my  heart  expand. 

My  glory  in  great  joy  doth  rise; 
My  flesh  shall  dwell  in  a  safe  land: 

For  Thou  wilt  not  desert  my  soul 

To  languish  in  the  dark  Sheol. 

Nor  wilt  Thou  let  thy  Holy  One 

The  pitfall  of  corruption  see; 
Life's  path  that  shineth  as  the  sun 

Thou  graciously  wilt  show  to  me. 
With  Thee,  our  joy  but  scarce  begun 

Shall  bloom  in  full  felicity — 
At  Thy  right  hand,  in  bounteous  store 
Are  pleasures  found  for  evermore. 


THE   GOOD    SHEPHERD 

MY  Shepherd  is  the  Lord  of  all ; 
No  want  unto  my  lot  shall  fall 
While  I  have  Him  beside  me. 
He  makes  me  rest  in  pastures  green, 
And  where  still  waters  flow  between 
He  graciously  doth  guide  me. 

My  soul  to  health  He  doth  restore; 
In  paths  of  right  He  goes  before, 

And  leadeth,  ever  near  me — 
Yea,  though  I  walk  within  Death's  vale 
No  evil  thing  shall  make  me  quail; 

Thy  rod  and  staff, — they  cheer  me. 

Before  my  foes  Thou  dost  appoint 
My  table;  and  my  head  anoint; 

My  cup  is  still  outgiving. 
Goodness  and  mercy  'tend  my  days, 
God's  House  the  goal  of  all  my  ways, 

Where  I  '11  be  ever  living. 


12 


THE   GLORIOUS   GATES 

THE  earth  unto  the  Lord  belongs, — 
The  fulness  of  its  life  and  air; 
The  world,  and  all  that  in  it  throngs, 

All  they  who  have  their  dwelling  there; 
He  makes  it  for  the  seas  a  crown ; 
Upon  the  floods  hath  set  it  down. 

Who  shall  ascend  Jehovah's  Hill  ? 

Who  stand  within  His  Holy  Place  ? 
He  whose  clean  hands  have  wrought  no  ill, 

Whose  heart  is  pure  before  God's  face. 
His  soul  to  pride  is  ne'er  upborne; 
Deceitfully  he  hath  not  sworn. 

To  him  a  blessing  shall  come  down 

Straight  from  the  Lord;  with  righteousness 

The  God  of  saving  power  will  crown 

Him,  and  through  all  his  days  will  bless. 

This  is  an  earnest  seeking  race; 

They  seek,  Q  Jacob's  God,  Thy  face. 

Ye  Gates,  your  heads  uplift  o'er  sin! 

Ye  everlasting  Doors,  arise! 
The  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in — 

Who  is  this  King  in  glory-guise  ? 
13 


14  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

He  is  the  Lord  of  strength  and  might, 
Whom  none  can  vanquish  in  the  fight. 

Ye  Gates,  your  heads  uplift  o'er  sin! 

Ye  everlasting  Doors,  arise! 
The  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in — 

Who  is  this  King  in  glory-guise  ? 
The  Lord  whom  hosts  adoring  view, — 
He  is  the  King  of  Glory  true. 


THE  LORD,  OUR  LIGHT  AND  OUR 
SALVATION 

JEHOVAH  is  my  shining  Light, 
And  my  salvation  He — 
By  whom  shall  I  be  filled  with  fright  ? 

The  Lord  my  life  doth  free, 
The  Lord  its  strength  for  doing  right — 
Who  fearful  maketh  me  ? 

When  wicked  ones,  swift  drawing  near, 

Mine  enemies,  my  foes, 
To  eat  my  flesh,  did  all  appear 

They  stumbled,  nor  arose; 
Though  on  before,  and  in  my  rear, 

A  camping  host  oppose, 

No  fear  shall  dwell  within  my  heart; 

Though  war  against  me  rise, 
Then  confidence  shall  be  my  part; — 

One  boon,  in  any  wise, 
From  all  Jehovah's  bounteous  mart 

I  set  before  mine  eyes; — 

For  this  I  '11  diligently  press: 

That  I  indeed  may  dwell 
Within  God's  House  of  righteousness, 
i5 


l6  SONGS   FROM    THE    PSALTER 

While  I  life's  days  shall  tell, — 
To  see  the  Lord's  own  beauty,  yes, 
His  Temple's  vows  to  swell. 

For  in  the  day  of  trouble  He 

Me  in  his  Tent  will  hide; 
In  His  own  Dwelling's  secrecy 

He  '11  cause  me  to  abide — 
Unto  a  Rock  that  cannot  flee 

My  wayward  feet  He  '11  guide. 

And  now  my  head  shall  He  lift  high 

Above  my  foes  around; 
And  at  His  Shrine,  with  joyful  cry, 

I  '11  be  with  off' rings  found — 
I  '11  sing,  yea,  songs  of  praise  will  I 

Make  to  the  Lord  resound. 

Lord,  when  my  voice  is  crying,  hark; 

Have  mercy  upon  me; 
My  prayers  for  speedy  answer  mark — 

When  Thou  did'st  say:   "  Seek  ye 
My  face,"  my  heart  said  from  the  dark; 

"  Thy  face,  Lord,  would  I  see." 

Hide  not  afar  from  me  Thy  face, 

Nor,  angered,  put  away 
Thy  servant;  Thou  in  mighty  grace 

Hast  been  my  help  and  stay; 
Leave  nor  forsake  me  in  this  place, 

My  saving  God,  I  pray. 


THE  LORD,  OUR  LIGHT  AND  SALVATION   1 7 

When  father  and  when  mother,  too, 

Forsake  me,  then  the  Lord 
Will  take  me  up :  show  to  my  view 

Thy  way — to  me  afford 
A  pathway  plain  my  journey  through; 

My  foes  are  all  abroad. 

Unto  their  will  give  me  not  o'er; 

False  witnesses  arise 
Against  me;  cruel  words  they  store; 

They  breathe  out  cruel  lies; 
I  should  have  fainted  long  before 

Did  I  not  e'en  surmise 

That  I  God's  goodness  should  behold 

Within  the  immortal  Land — 
Wait  on  the  Lord;  be  strong  and  bold; 

Thine  heart  with  His  own  hand 
He  '11  strengthen  with  His  strength  of  old: 

Wait  on  the  Lord's  command. 


THE   SURE   HIDING-PLACE 

HOW  blest  is  he  who  winneth  for 
Transgression,  pardon  free, — 
Whose  sin,  indeed,  is  covered  o'er! 

How  truly  blest  is  he 
To  whom  the  Lord  doth  nevermore 
Impute  iniquity, — 

Within  whose  spirit  is  no  guile ! — 

When  I  held  silence  deep 
My  bones,  they  waxed  old  the  while; 

For  roaring  did  I  keep 
All  day; — grief  on  me  Thou  did'st  pile, 

Or  waking,  or  asleep, 

To  summer  drought  my  moisture  passed; 

To  Thee  my  guilt  told  I ; 
Concerning  sin  that  held  me  fast 

To  Thee  I  did  not  lie. 
11  I  will  confess,"  said  I,  at  last, 

"  My  sin  to  God  Most  High." 

And  Thou,  my  Lord,  did'st  pardon  then 

My  sin's  iniquity — 
For  this  Thy  gracious  goodness,  when 

18 


THE   SURE   HIDING-PLACE  19 

Discerned  Thou  may'st  be, 

Let  him  who  godliness  doth  ken 

Uplift  his  prayers  to  Thee. 

Sure,  when  the  water-floods  o'erflow, 
O'er  him  they  shall  not  throng — 

My  hiding-place  from  grief,  I  know 
Thou  'It  keep  me  all  life  long  ; 

Around  me  Thou  wilt  oft  bestow 
The  glad  deliverance  song. 

I  will  instruct  thee,  make  thee  find 

The  only  righteous  way; 
And  where  Mine  eye  thy  heart  can  bind 

I  Tl  counsel  thee  each  day — 
Be  not  like  them  who  lack  thy  mind, 

Horse,  mule,  who  naught  can  say, 

Who  must  with  bit  and  bridle  strong 

Be  held  where'er  they  go, 
Else,  they  will  turn  from  thee  all  wrong; 

The  wicked  souls  shall  know 
Much  grief — to  them  shall  sorrows  throng: — 

He  trusting  God  's  not  so, — 

Mercy  shall  compass  him  around; 

Be  gladness  your  life-chart, — 
God's  gladness;  in  joys  that  abound, 

Ye  righteous  souls,  take  part; 
And  shout  for  joy,  all  ye  who  're  found 

To  be  of  upright  heart. 


THE   STRONG    DELIVERER 

THE  Lord  at  all  times  I  will  bless; 
His  praise  my  mouth  shall  never  leave; 
The  Lord  shall  be  the  boast,  no  less, 
That  my  rejoicing  soul  shall  weave. 

The  meek  shall  hear  it  and  have  joy — 

Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me; 
Together  let  us  songs  employ; 

His  name  by  us  exalted  be. 

I  sought  the  Lord;  His  answer  came, 
And  set  me  free  from  all  my  fears; 

They  looked  to  Him,  and  lighter  frame 
Succeeded  to  their  grief  and  tears. 

Their  trustful  faces  nevermore 
Shall  dire  confusion  meet  again; 

This  poor  man  cried  in  anguish  sore, — 
God  heard,  and  banished  all  his  pain. 

The  Angel  of  the  Lord  His  tent 

Binds  round  the  souls  who  fear  His  name; 
And  when  with  terror  they  are  rent 

From  Him  deliverance  they  can  claim. 


THE   STRONG   DELIVERER  21 

Oh,  taste  and  see  the  goodness  true 
That  in  our  gracious  Lord  resides — 

Blest  is  the  man  who  Him  can  view 
With  trustfulness  that  e'er  abides. 

Oh,  fear  the  Lord,  all  ye  His  saints; 

They  shall  not  want  who  Him  do  fear; 
The  lion's  young,  with  direful  plaints, 

Will  make  their  lack  of  food  appear, 

But  they  who  seek  the  Lord  indeed 
Shall  never  want  for  one  good  thing — 

Come,  children,  unto  me  pay  heed; 
To  fear  the  Lord  you  will  I  bring. 

Who  's  he  that  doth  long  life  desire  ? 

Loves  many  days,  good  things  to  see  ?— 
Thy  tongue  from  evil  keep  entire, 

And  let  thy  lips  from  guile  be  free; 

Depart  from  evil,  and  do  right; 

Seek  peace,  and  ever  it  pursue; 
The  Lord  the  righteous  keeps  in  sight, 

His  ears  their  cry  are  open  to. 

Jehovah  setteth  fast  his  face 

Against  the  evil-doers  all, 
That  on  the  earth  may  be  no  place 

Where  any  one  shall  them  recall. 

The  righteous  cried;  Jehovah  heard, 
And  from  their  troubles  set  them  free; 

The  Lord  the  broken  heart  doth  gird; 
He  saveth  such  as  contrite  be. 


22  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

The  righteous  hath  pains  manifold; 

Him  from  them  all  delivereth 
The  Lord.     He  all  his  bones  doth  hold; 

Not  one  of  them  is  broken.     Death 

Shall  evil  make  the  wicked's  goal; 

And  they  that  hate  the  good  shall  be 
Condemned.     The  Lord  redeems  the  soul 

Of  those  who  serve  Him  faithfully. 

And  none  of  them  who  place  their  trust 
In  Him,  Jehovah,  Lord  of  all, — 

The  Lord  of  Love,  the  True,  the  Just, — 
Shall  into  condemnation  fall. 


THE   PORTION   OF   THE   RIGHTEOUS 

FRET  not  thyself  because  of  those 
Who  evil  do,  and  good  oppose; 
Nor  ever  envious  be  thou 
'Gainst  them  that  work  unrighteousness. 
They  soon  shall  feel  the  sickle's  stress 

Like  to  the  grass  that  waveth  now; 
Like  the  green  herb  shall  they  be  dried — 
Do  thou  in  thine  own  Lord  confide; 
With  goodness  all  thy  days  endow. 

Dwell  in  the  land;  and  follow  near 
On  faithfulness:  have  blessed  cheer 

In  Him,  Jehovah,  Lord  Most  High; 
Thy  heart's  desires  He  '11  thee  afford. 
Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord; 

Forevermore  on  Him  rely, 
And  He  shall  bring  it  to  thy  sight — 
He  '11  make  thy  righteousness  like  light, 

Thy  judgment  like  the  noonday  sky. 

Be  still  before  the  Lord;  for  Him 
Wait  patiently,  though  sight  be  dim; 

Do  thou  not  fret  thyself  at  all 
For  him  who  prospereth  in  his  way; 
For  him  who  bringeth  to  the  day 

Devices  that  for  sin  appal. 
23 


24  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

From  anger  cease,  and  wrath  forsake; 
Fret  not  thyself,  it  sin  doth  make — 
Those  doing  ill  to  death  shall  fall. 

But  those  that  wait  upon  the  Lord 
The  land  shall  win,  so  fair  and  broad: 

For  yet,  indeed,  a  little  while 
And  wicked  souls  shall  be  no  more: 
Yea,  shalt  thou  in  thy  thought  explore, 

With  diligence,  the  place  of  guile, 
And  it,  once  mighty,  shall  not  be; 
But  meek  ones  shall  their  portion  see 

Unrolled  to  earth's  most  distant  isle. 

They  shall  delight  themselves  in  peace 
Whose  fair  abundance  shall  not  cease  ; 

The  wicked  plotteth  'gainst  the  just 
And  gnasheth  with  his  teeth  on  him — 
For  him  the  Lord  hath  laughter  grim, 

He  marks  his  swift  return  to  dust ; 
The  wicked  have  the  sword  outdrawn, 
And  they  have  bent  their  bow  in  scorn 

The  poor  and  needy  low  to  thrust; 

To  slay  them  of  the  upright  part — 
Their  sword  shall  enter  their  own  heart; 

Through  breakage  shall  their  bows  have  harm,- 
The  mite  the  righteous  hath  is  more 
Than  wicked  souls'  abundant  store, — 

Broken  shall  be  each  wicked  arm. 
On  true  hearts  help  the  Lord  bestows; 
The  days  of  perfect  ones  He  knows; 

Their  lot  shall  be  an  endless  charm. 


THE   PORTION   OF   THE   RIGHTEOUS        25 

In  evil  times  no  shame  they  '11  know; 
In  famine  satisfied  they  '11  go; 

But  wicked  ones  shall  perish  all, 
And  those  who  'gainst  Jehovah  fight 
Shall  be  as  pastures  richly  dight; 

They  shall  consume;  in  smoke  they  '11  fall — 
The  wicked  borrows,  not  to  pay; 
But  righteous  souls  in  gracious  way 

Bestow  their  gifts,  both  great  and  small. 

For  such  as  blest  of  Him  do  stand 
Shall  come  to  heirship  of  the  land; 

But  they  who  have  His  curse  shall  pay 
In  death;  of  God  established  are 
Man's  goings,  be  they  near  or  far, 

And  He  delighteth  in  his  way — 
Fallen,  not  quite  cast  down  he  '11  be; 
For  him  the  Lord  upholdeth  free, 

And  makes  His  hand  his  stay. 

I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old, 
Yet  he  who  doth  the  right  uphold 

Forsaken  have  I  never  found, 
Nor  begging  for  their  bread  his  seed: 
All  day  he  takes  most  gracious  heed 

And  lends;  his  seed  's  with  blessing  crowned. 
Depart  from  every  evil  way, 
And  practise  good  from  day  to  day, 

And  dwell  for  aye  on  thine  own  ground. 

For  judgment  doth  Jehovah  love, 
Nor  doth  He  from  His  throne  above 


26  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

Forsake  them  who  are  sanctified. 
Preserved  forevermore  are  they, 
But  for  the  wicked's  seed, — away, 

Cut  off,  it  will  no  more  abide; 
The  righteous  shall  the  land  receive, — 
Their  heritage,  no  more  to  leave, — 

Their  dwelling,  with  Thy  grace  supplied. 

The  mouth  of  him  who  righteous  is 
Of  wisdom  talks,  't  is  surely  his; 

Concerning  judgment  speaks  his  tongue — 
His  God's  own  law  is  in  his  heart; 
No  steps  of  his  shall  sliding  start. 

In  watching  have  the  wicked  hung 
Beside  the  righteous  everywhere; 
And  seek  they  with  most  earnest  care 

That  with  the  death-pang  he  be  stung. 

The  Lord  within  the  wicked's  hand 
Will  not  permit  just  souls  to  stand; 

For  them,  when  judged,  condemn  will  He 
Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  way 
And  thee  shall  He  exalt  one  day 

The  land's  inheritor  to  be. 
When  all  cut  off  the  wicked  are 
Naught  from  thine  eyes  the  sight  shall  bar 

Of  their  most  dread  extremity. 

The  wicked  in  great  power  I  've  seen, 
Wide-spreading,  like  a  tree  that  's  green, 
Implanted  in  its  native  soil; 


THE   PORTION  OF  THE   RIGHTEOUS        2J 

Yet  passed  he  by;  lo!  was  no  more; 
Yea,  sought  I  him  behind,  before, 

But  found  him  not  for  all  my  toil. 
Mark  him  that  perfect  is;  behold 
The  upright  one;  for  when  he  's  old 

For  pain,  shall  peace  be  his  bright  foil. 

As  for  transgressors,  they  shall  all 
Together  to  destruction  fall; 

Cut  off  shall  be  their  latter  end. 
Saved  are  the  righteous  by  the  Lord; 
He,  strong,  in  trouble  them  will  ward; 

The  Lord  with  help  doth  them  attend, 
He  rescueth  their  souls  from  death; 
E'en  from  the  evil  doer's  breath, 

Since  Him  they  've  asked,  them  to  defend. 


LIFE'S   BRIEF   MEASURE 

I   SAID:   "  Unto  my  ways  I  will  take  heed, 
That  with  my  tongue  I  may  commit  no  sin; 
My  mouth  I  '11  keep  a  bridle  fast  within, 
While  wicked  ones  before  me  do  proceed." 


With  silence  dumb,  I  even  held  my  peace 

From  good;  and  then,  indeed,  was  stirred  my 

woe; 
My  heart  with  burning  inward  heat  did  glow, 

The  flame  arose,  nor  did  my  musing  cease. 


Then  said  my  tongue :   ' '  Lord,  make  me  know  mine 
end, 
And  what  the  measure  of  my  days  may  be; 
Make  me  acquainted  with  my  frailty; 
As   handbreadths,    see,   Thou  dost    my   days   ex- 
tend, 


11  And  mine  age  is  as  nothing  in  Thy  sight — 
Surely,  at  best  estate,  man  's  but  a  breath; 
In  shadow,  surely,  each  man  travelleth; 

Surely,  in  vain  they  're  thrown  in  restless  plight. 
28 


life's  brief  measure  29 

"  He  heaps  on  high,  and  knows  not  who  shall  gain 
His  wealth:  and  now,  Lord,  what  do  I  wait  for? 
My  hope  's  in  Thee;  save  me  from  my  sins  sore; 

Let  me  not  be  reproach  of  fools  so  vain. 

11  Dumb  was  I,  nor  did  I  my  mouth  unclose, 
Because  Thou  did'st  it:  be  my  heart  not  rent; 
Consumed  am  I;  my  strength  Thy  blow  hath 
spent, 

The  blow  whose  sharpness  only  Thine  hand  knows. 

"  When,  with  rebukes,  for  sin  Thou  chidest  man, 
His  beauty  Thou  dost  make  to  pass  away 
Like  to  a  moth;  but  vanity,  I  say, 

Is  every  being  in  this  mortal  span. 

"  O  Thou,  Jehovah,  listen  to  my  prayer, 
And  lend  Thine  ear  unto  mine  earnest  cry; 
Hold  not  Thy  peace,  when  I  with  tears  shall  sigh; 

For  I  with  Thee  do  as  a  stranger  fare, — 

"  Sojourner,  as  my  fathers  were  before. 
Oh,  spare  Thou  me,  that  I,  indeed,  at  length 
In  Thy  great  mercy  may  recover  strength, 

Before  I  go  far  hence  and  be  no  more. ' ' 


THE   TRUE    HEART'S    DESIRE 

AS  for  the  water-brooks  the  hart  is  panting, 
So  pants,  indeed,  my  soul,  O  God,  for  Thee; 
My  soul,  with  thirst,  from  depths  of  its  implanting 
Still  longeth  God,  the  living  God  to  see. 

When  shall  I  come,  before  my  God  appearing  ? — 
My  tears  have  been  my  meat  by  day  and  night, 

While  in  continuance  their  cry  I  'm  hearing, — 
11  Where  is  thy  God  ?  "  they  say,  through  dark 
and  light. 

These  things  I  mind,  my  soul  in  me  outpouring, — 
How  I  when  marching  onward  with  the  throng, 

Unto  God's  House  led  multitudes  adoring 
On  holy  day,  with  voice  of  joy  and  song. 

Oh !  soul  of  mine,  why  art  thou  downward  bending, 
And  why  dost  keep  within  me  toilsome  quest  ? 

Hope  thou  in  God;  His  praises  I  '11  be  blending 
For  health  that  on  His  countenance  doth  rest. 

My  soul,  O  God,  within  me  takes  low  station : — 
Thus  I  remember  Thee  from  Jordan's  land, 

The  Hermons,  and  from  Mizar's  elevation — 
Deep  calleth  deep — Thy  waterspouts  command. 
30 


THE   TRUE   HEART  S  DESIRE  3 1 

Thy  waves  have  compassed  me  and  many  a  billow; 

Yet  God,  by  day,  His  kind  love  will  ordain ; 
And  all  night  long  His  song  shall  be  my  pillow — 

A  prayer  to  God  who  o'er  my  life  doth  reign. 

To  God  who  is  my  Rock  will  I  be  saying: 

"  Why  hast  Thou  me  forgot;  why  do  I  mourn, 

Because  of  my  foes'  malice  on  me  weighing  ?  " 
As  though  a  sword  my  bones  had  crushed  and 
torn. 

My  foes  reproach  me,  while  they  're  ever  crying: 
11  Where  is  thy  God  ?  " — Why  art  cast  down,  my 
soul  ? 

And  why  art  thou  within  me  restless  sighing  ? 
Do  thou  upon  the  Lord  thy  burden  roll. 

In  Him  do  thou  have  hope  that  shall  not  perish; 

For  I  shall  yet  to  Him  my  praises  sing. 
My  countenance's  health  is  He;  He  '11  cherish 

His  heavy-hearted  child,  my  God,  my  King! 


THE  KING'S  DAUGHTER 

WITH  a  goodly  matter  my  heart  doth  over- 
flow; 
I  speak ;  upon  the  King  do  I  my  work  bestow, 
My  tongue  's  the  pen  of  one  who  readily  doth 
write. 
Thou  fairer  art  than  all  the  children  of  man's  race; 
Upon  thy  parted  lips  is  poured  the  dew  of  grace, — 
So  thou  art  blest  of  God,  forever,  in  His  sight. 

Gird,  gird  thy  sword  upon  Thy  thigh,  O  Mighty 

One,— 
Thy  glory  and  Thy  majesty,  Thy  race  to  run; 

And  in  Thy  majesty  all  prosperously  ride, 
Because  of  truth  and  peace  and  righteousness, 
And  Thy  right  hand  upon  Thee  terrors  shall  im- 
press, 
Thine  arrows  sharp  the  people  fell  on  every  side. 

Within  the  heart  of  the  King's  enemies  are  they — 
Thy  throne  O  God  's  forever  through  th'  eternal 
day; 
Sceptre  of  equity  's  the  sceptre  of  Thy  reign — 
Thou  hast  loved  righteousness  and  hated  wicked 
ways. 

32 


THE   KING'S   DAUGHTER  33 

So  God,  thy  God,  hath  thee  anointed  for  all  days, 
With  gladness'  oil  above  the  comrades  in  thy 
train. 

Myrrh,   aloes,   cassia,   scent  the  robes  wherewith 

thou  'rt  clad; 
From  ivory  courts  stringed  instruments  have  made 

thee  glad; 
Among  thy  women  honored  high  kings'  daughters 

are, 
Upon  thy  right  doth  stand  in   Ophir's  gold  the 

Queen. 
Hearken,  oh!   Daughter,  mark;  incline  thine  ear 

serene! — 
Forget  thy  people  loved,  thy  father's  house  afar. 

So  shall  the  King  thy  beauty  ardently  desire, 
For  He  is  thine  own  Lord;  then  worship  Him,  nor 
tire — 
The  Tyrian  daughter  there  for  thee  a  gift  shall 
hold. 
The  rich  among  the  race  thy  favor  shall  entreat; 
The  Daughter  of  the  King  with  glory  is  replete, 
Within  the  inner  court — her  robes  are  wrought 
in  gold. 

In  broidered  work  shall  she  be  led  unto  the  King; 
The  virgins  fair,  her  near  companions  following, 
Shall  be,  each  one,  into  Thy  gracious  presence 
brought — 
With  gladness  and  rejoicing  shall  they  all  be  led; 


34  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

They  '11  enter  where  He  dwells  who  is  their  King 
and  Head — 
His  palace  gleaming  with  a  glory  passing  thought. 

Where  once  thy  fathers  were,  now  shall  thy  children 

stand, 
Whom  thou  in  all  the  regions  of  the  earth's  broad 

land 
Shalt  call  to  prince's  station — this  their  lot  in 

store. 
Through  all  the  generations  I  '11  make  thy  name  to 

live 
In  lasting  memory;  so  shall  the  people  give 
Thanks  unto  thee  for  ever  and  for  evermore. 


GOD,   OUR  REFUGE  AND  STRENGTH 

GOD  is  our  Refuge  and  our  Strength  unfail- 
ing— 
A  very  present  help  in  pain; 
Therefore  will  we  not  fear,  earth's  changes  hailing, 
And  though  the  deep  sea's  heart  should  strain, 

Invaded  by  the  hills  of  mighty  presence, — 
Although  its  waves  should  troubled  roar, 

Though  fearful  at  its  swell  and  effervescence, 
Tremble  and  quail  the  mountains  hoar. 

There  is  a  River  pure,  whose  streams  soft  swelling 
With  gladness  fill  the  City  of  our  God, — 

The  Holy  Place,  within  the  tents  of  dwelling 
Of  the  Most  High,  in  light  adored. 

His  voice  He  raised;  earth  melted  at  its  thunder; 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  with  us  resides; 
The  God  of  Jacob  is  our  High  Tower,  under 

Whose  covering  my  soul  abides. 

Come;'  be  our  Lord  Jehovah's  work  beholding, — 

What  desolation  on  the  earth 
He  makes;  yet  bids  He  wars  to  cease,  enfolding 

The  earth  with  joy,  since  Peace  hath  birth. 
35 


36  SONGS  FROM   THE   PSALTER 

He  breaks  the  bow,  and  casts  the  spear  in  sunder; 

The  chariots,  in  His  fire  abroad 
He  burns:  in  reverential  awe  and  wonder 

Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God. 

Exalted  will  I  be  in  every  nation; 

Upon  the  earth  I  '11  be  made  high. 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  is  with  us — sure  salvation ; 

E'en  Jacob's  God,  to  whom  we  fly. 


A  PARABLE1 

HEAR  this,  all  ye  peoples,  hear! 
All  who  dwell  on  earth,  give  ear! 
Low  and  high,  and  rich  and  poor, 
Wisdom  shall  my  mouth  assure; — 

And  my  heart's  meditation 
How  to  understand  shall  be; 
Parable  shall  wait  on  me; 
On  the  harp  I  '11  open  wide 
Word  of  mine  that  doth  abide 

Where  Darkness  holds  her  station. 

Wherefore  should  I  fearful  stand 
In  the  days  when  111  's  at  hand; 
When  dark  Sin  upon  my  heels 
Round  and  round  about  me  wheels  ? — 

They  who  on  wealth  are  standing 
Boast  themselves  of  riches  vast — 
None  of  them,  indeed,  at  last 
Can  redeem  his  brother  lost, 
Nor  to  God  give  back  the  cost 

His  ransom  is  demanding. 

1  For  the  title  of  this  song,  as  well  as  for  those  of  a  few  that 
follow,  the  author  acknowledges  his  indebtedness  to  sugges- 
tions derived  from  Prof.  Richard  G.  Moulton's  work,  The 
Literary  Study  of  the  Bible. 

37 


3o  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

(For  the  price  upon  their  soul 
Unto  figures  high  doth  roll 
And  must  ever  be  passed  by) 
That,  indeed,  he  should  not  die, 

Nor  downward  sight  be  casting: — 
For  the  wise  he  sees  Death  call, 
Fool  and  brute  together  fall — 
They  their  wealth  another  race 
Give;  the  inward  thought  they  trace 

Is  that,  forever  lasting, 

Shall  their  houses  ages  view, 
That  their  dwelling-places  too 
Generations  safe  shall  stand; 
Their  own  names  they  give  their  land. 

But  man  is  not  found  staying 
In  the  path  of  honor  high; 
He  is  like  the  beasts  that  die — 
This,  their  way,  is  foolishness, 
Yet,  who  after  them  shall  press 

Approve  the  words  they  're  saying. 

As  a  flock  for  Sheol,  they 

Are  appointed ;  on  their  way 

Their  dread  shepherd,  Death,  is  found; 

O'er  them  will  the  just  be  crowned 

Their  rulers,  in  the  morning — 
And  their  beauty  in  its  bloom 
Sheol  truly  shall  consume, 
That  for  it  no  house  may  be; 
But  my  soul  will  God  set  free, 

'Gainst  power  of  Sheol  warning. 


A   PARABLE  39 

He  '11  receive  me — not  afraid 

Do  thou  be,  when  rich  one  's  made, 

When  upon  his  house  shall  rise 

Fame;  he  takes  naught  when  he  dies, — 

For,  wealth  with  him  descending, 
Though  he  blessed  his  soul,  though  praise 
Comes  to  one  for  selfish  ways, 
He  '11  his  fathers  meet  in  night — 
Honored,  lacking  mental  sight, 

Like  beast,  to  death  man  's  tending. 


PENITENCE 

OGOD,  have  mercy  upon  me 
According  to  Thy  love  so  kind; 
According  to  Thy  mercies  free, 
In  multitude  beyond  our  mind. 

In  tenderness  blot  from  Thy  view- 
Each  one  of  my  transgressions  sore; 

From  mine  iniquity,  all  through 

Wash  me;  o'er  my  sin  cleansing  pour. 

For  all  my  guilt  is  known  by  me; 

My  sin  reveals  itself  in  might; 
'Gainst  Thee  I  've  sinned,  'gainst  only  Thee, 

And  done  this  evil  in  Thy  sight: 

That  Thou  when  speaking,  justified 

May'st  be;  and  when  Thou  judgest,  clear — 

Lo,  in  iniquity,  inside 

My  mother's  womb  did  I  appear. 

In  sin  by  her  conceived  was  I — 
Behold  Thou  in  each  inward  part 

Desirest  truth,  and  by-and-by 

Thou  'It  make  me  wise  deep  in  my  heart. 
40 


PENITENCE  41 

Purge  me  with  hyssop;  I  '11  be  clean: 
Wash  me;  I  '11  whiter  be  than  snow: 

Thrill  me  with  gladness,  joy  serene, 
So  that  the  bones  by  Thee  laid  low 

May  yet  rejoice.     Ah!  hide  Thy  face 
From  all  my  sin;  I  have  no  pleas; 

Enfold  me  in  Thy  wondrous  grace, 
And  blot  out  mine  iniquities. 

O  God,  create  in  me  a  heart 

All  clean  ;  a  spirit  steadfast  make; 

Me  from  Thy  presence  do  not  part, 
Nor  from  me  Thy  blest  Spirit  take. 

The  joy  of  Thy  salvation  old 

Do  Thou  unto  my  breast  restore; 

With  a  free  spirit  me  uphold; 

Thy  ways  I  '11  teach  transgressors  sore: 

And  sinners  shall  return  to  Thee — 
Me  ransom  from  blood-guiltiness, 

O  God,  Thou  God  who  savest  me; 
And  loudly  singing,  Thee  I  '11  bless. 

My  tongue  Thy  righteousness  shall  sing; 

O  Lord,  my  lips  now  open  wide, — 
And  near  and  far  my  mouth  shall  fling 

Thy  praise,  while  in  Thy  love  I  hide. 


42  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

For  Thy  delight,  in  sacrifice 

Is  not:  else  would  I  give  it  Thee; 

Burnt  offering,  before  Thine  eyes 
A  pleasant  sight  can  never  be. 

The  sacrifices  of  the  Lord 

A  truly  broken  spirit  are; 
A  broken,  contrite  heart,  O  God, 

Thou  'It  not  despise,  though  strayed  afar. 

Do  good  in  Thy  good  pleasure  now 

To  Zion,  of  the  favored  race; 
Jerusalem's  fair  walls  endow 

With  strength,  and  rear  them  in  their  place. 

Then  shalt  Thou  take  supreme  delight 

In  sacrifices  borne  to  Thee, — 
The  sacrifices,  glad  and  bright, 

Of  righteousness,  from  sin  set  free. 

Burnt  offering  shall  thrill  Thine  heart, 

Also  the  whole  burnt  offering; 
Then,  bullocks  it  shall  be  their  part 

Unto  Thine  altar,  Lord,  to  bring. 


THE   KING'S   PROTECTOR 

OGOD,  now  hearken  to  my  cry; 
Attend  unto  my  prayer. 
From  earth's  far  ends  to  Thee  will  I 

Call,  when  my  heart  hath  care. 
Unto  the  Rock  that  is  more  high 
Than  I — oh,  lead  me  there. 

To  Thee,  my  Refuge,  my  heart  clings, — 
Strong  Tower  from  the  foe, — 

My  way  into  Thy  Tent  me  brings, 
Whence  I  will  never  go — 

The  blessed  covert  of  Thy  wings 
My  refuge  shall  I  know. 

Thou  God  hast  heard  me  vows  proclaim; 

Thou  hast  bestowed  on  me 
Their  heritage  who  fear  Thy  name — 

The  King  long-lived  shall  be; 
His  years,  prolonged  by  Thee,  shall  fame 

Of  generations  see. 

Before  God  he  shall  e'er  abide — 
Oh,  loving-kindness  warm 
43 


44  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

And  truth  to  save  him,  Lord,  provide: — 
Thee  will  I  praise  in  calm  and  storm; 

Daily  shalt  Thou  be  magnified, — 
So  I  '11  my  vows  perform. 


CALL   TO   PRAISE 


MAY  God  to  us  His  mercy  show, 
And  bless  us  with  His  grace; 
Upon  us  cause  His  face  to  glow, — 
His  benediction  face. 


That  on  the  earth  Thy  way  be  known, - 

Thy  saving  health  around 
Among  the  nations  all  be  shown, 

And  in  its  might  abound. 

O  let  the  peoples  praise  Thee,  God, 

Let  all  the  peoples  praise; 
O  let  the  nations  far  abroad 

Glad  songs  in  gladness  raise. 

The  peoples  Thou  wilt  judge  in  right, 
And  all  earth's  nations  lead — 

O  let  the  peoples  with  their  might 
Praise  Thee,  our  God,  indeed. 

Let  all  the  peoples  praise  Thee  now — 
Earth  hath  her  increase  borne: 

God,  our  own  God,  shall  us  endow 
With  blessings  bright  as  morn. 
45 


46  SONGS   FROM  THE   PSALTER 

God  truly  us  shall  richly  bless, 
And  earth  from  far  and  near 

Shall  bow  before  His  righteousness 
In  reverential  fear. 


THE   PRAISES   OF   THE    KING 

THY  judgments,  God,  O  give  the  King, 
And  to  his  son  Thy  righteousness. 
All  righteous  judgment  shall  he  bring 
The  people,  and  Thy  poor  he  '11  bless 
With  judgment  strong. 
The  mountains  to  the  people  peace 

Shall  bring;  with  righteousness  be  piled 
The  hills;  in  justice  he  '11  release 

The  poor,  and  save  each  needy  child, 
Though  suffring  long. 

The  tyrant  he  '11  to  atoms  break — 

They  '11  fear  Thee  while  endures  the  sun; 
Yea,  while  the  moon  doth  circuits  make, 

While  generations  onward  run, 
And  onward  still ; 
Like  rain  on  new-mown  grass  he  '11  fall, 

As  showers  that  on  the  earth  outpour; 
And  in  his  days,  like  palm-tree  tall 

The  righteous  shall  grow  more  and  more;- 
And  to  the  fill 

Shall  peace,  Jehovah's  peace,  be  found 
Until  no  more  the  moon  shall  rise; 

47 


48  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

He  '11  rule  the  mighty  world  around: 
Before  him  the  horizon  flies 
Of  sea  and  shore — 
The  river  and  the  ends  of  earth 
Shall  be  the  limits  of  his  rule; 
The  dwellers  in  the  desert's  dearth 
Shall  bow  before  his  royal  stool, 
And  him  adore. 

His  enemies  shall  lick  the  dust; 

The  kings  of  Tarshish  and  the  king 
Of  every  isle  shall  to  the  just 

Their  presents  in  profusion  bring, 
And  favor  sue; 
The  kings  of  Sheba,  Seba's  crown, 

Shall  offer  gifts;  before  him  all 
The  kings  of  earth  shall  bow  them  down; 

All  nations  at  his  feet  shall  fall, 
With  service  true. 

For  he  shall  save  the  needy  soul, 

When  from  his  throne  he  hears  his  cry; 
The  poor,  on  whom  life's  burdens  roll, 

With  none  to  lift  them  where  they  lie, 
No  helping  hand: 
The  poor  and  needy  pities  he; 

The  needy  souls  who  suffer  woe 
He'll  place  in  strong  security; 

Nor  tyranny  nor  force  shall  know 
His  happy  band. 

Dear  shall  their  blood  be  in  his  sight; 
And  they  shall  live;  and  he  shall  hold 


THE    PRAISES   OF   THE    KING  49 

As  gift,  that  only  is  his  right, 

The  wealth  of  Sheba's  sparkling  gold: 
And  evermore 
Men  shall  for  him  unite  in  prayer; 

Him  shall  they  bless  the  whole  day  long; 
Of  corn  they  shall  procure  a  share 

Upon  the  mountain-summits  strong, — 
A  bounteous  store: 

Its  fruit  like  Lebanon  shall  shake: 

They  whom  the  city  walls  immure, 
Like  grass,  quick,  springing  growth  shall  make: 

His  peace  forever  shall  endure, 
And  honored  dwell 
Long  as  the  ever-shining  sun: 

And  men  in  him  shall  be  all  blest; 
All  nations  as  their  course  they  run, 

In  his  true  name  obtaining  rest, 
His  joy  shall  tell. 

Oh!  blessedness,  oh!  blessedness 

Be  his,  Jehovah's,  God,  Most  High, — 
The  God  whom  Israel  doth  bless, 

With  whose  great  deeds  no  man  can  vie, — 
Our  God  and  Friend. 
Blest  ever  be  His  glorious  name; 

His  praise  from  all  the  earth  be  won — 
Amen ;  and  yet  again  the  same. 

The  prayers  of  David,  Jesse's  son, 
Are  at  an  end. 


PRAYER    FOR    THE    SHINING   OF   GOD'S 
FACE 

GIVE  ear,  O  Israel's  Shepherd,  kindly  leading 
The  tribe  of  Joseph,  flock  of  Thine; 
Dweller  between  the  Cherubim,  proceeding 

From  Thee,  let  light  abundant  shine, 
For  Ephraim  and  Benjamin  before  Thy  sight, 
And  for  Manasseh,  too,  stir  up  Thy  might. 

Turn  us  again,  0  God  !  be  Thy  Face  shining, 
And  safety  shall  be  ours  from  Thee. 

Jehovah,  God  of  mighty  hosts,  we  're  pining — 
How  long,  against  Thy  people's  plea, 

Against  their  prayer,  shall  rise  the  smoking  of  Thy 
wrath, 

Far  stirring  desolation  in  their  path  ? 

Them  hast  Thou  fed  with  bread  of  tears;   them 
given 
Tears  in  great  multitudes  to  quaff; 
With  strife,  us  from  our  neighbors  Thou  hast  riven; 

Among  themselves  our  foemen  laugh — 
Restore  us  now  again,  O  God  of  myriad  powers, 
And  cause  Thy  face  to  shine,  and  safety  shall  be 
ours. 

50 


PRAYER  FOR  THE  SHINING  OF  GOD  S  FACE     5  I 

A  Vine  from  Egypt's  land  hast  Thou  been  bearing; 

The  natives  that  within  the  ground 
Did  plant  it  Thou  did'st  drive  afar,  preparing 

Room  where  it  might  entwine  around. 
It  took  deep  root,  and  filled  the  surface  of  the  land; 
The   mountains   with    its    shadow-covering    were 
spanned. 

The  boughs  thereof  God's  cedars  were  resembling — 

She  sent  her  branches  to  the  sea; 
Her  little  shoots  within  the  breeze  were  trembling 

E'en  where  the  River  runneth  free. 
Why  hast  Thou  broken  down  her  fences,  so  that 

they 
All  pluck  her,  as  they  pass,  each  one,  along  the 
way  ? 

The  forest-boar  doth  ravage  it,  so  greedy; 

The  wild  beasts  feed  on  it,  so  bold  : 
Turn,  turn  again,  O  God  of  Hosts,  we  're  needy; 

Look  down  from  heaven,  this  Vine  behold, 
And  visit  it,    Stock   planted   by  Thy  hand,  time 

long,— 
The  Branch  that  for  Thyself  Thou  madest  strong. 

Now  't  is  cut  down;  with  fire  indeed  't  is  burning; 

They  perish,  stricken  by  Thy  face; 
Let  Thy  right  hand  upon  the  man  be  turning, — 

The  man  who  holds  Thy  right  hand's  place; — 
Upon  the  son  of  man,  by  Thee  with  might  arrayed, 
Whom   for  Thyself,   strong  for  all   conflict   Thou 
hast  made. 


52  SONGS   FROM    THE    PSALTER 

So  shall  we  not  from  Thee  be  backward  straying. 

Awake  us;  on  Thy  name  we  '11  call — 
Jehovah,  God  of  Hosts,  Thy  love  displaying, 

Turn  us  again,  lift  when  we  fall; 
Upon  our  souls  now  cause  Thy  countenance  to 

shine, 
And  safety  shall  be  ours, — gift  of  Thy  grace  divine. 


THE   JOYS    OF   GOD'S   HOUSE 

OLORD  of  Hosts,  how  passing  fair 
Thy  Tabernacles  be! 
How  longs  my  soul  to  breathe  their  air, 

How  faints  their  courts  to  see! 
My  heart  and  flesh  cry  out  in  prayer, 
O  Living  God  for  Thee. 

Yea,  hath  the  sparrow  found  a  home, 

The  swallow  a  safe  nest, 
Whence  she  will  never  want  to  roam, 

Where  she  may  lay  to  rest 
Her  young  ones, — 'neath  Thy  sacred  dome, 

Upon  Thine  altars  blest. 

O  Lord  of  Hosts,  my  God,  my  King, 

How  blest  are  they  that  dwell 
Within  Thy  House  !  they  still  will  sing 

Thy  benedictions  well. 

Blest  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  found 

In  Thee,  and  in  whose  heart 
The  ways  of  holiness  abound  ; 

Who  makes  a  well  to  start 
Within  the  vale  of  Baca's  ground, — 

The  pools  with  showers  dart. 
53 


54  SONGS   FROM   THE    PSALTER 

From  strength  to  strength  they  onward  pace; 

In  Zion,  one  and  all 
Shall  enter  in  before  God's  face — 

O  Lord  God,  in  whose  presence  fall 
The  hosts  of  heaven  in  their  place, 

Attend  unto  my  call. 

O  Jacob's  God,  give  ear  to  me, 

Behold,  O  God,  our  Shield; 
The  face  of  Thine  anointed  see, — 

To  him  Thy  glances  yield. 

Better  a  day  Thy  courts  within 
Than  thousand  days  elsewhere; 

To  bide  beneath  the  tents  of  sin 
Is  not  my  choice;  my  prayer 

Is  rather,  far  from  earthly  din, 
For  Thine  House-doors  to  care. 

The  Lord  God  is  a  Sun  and  Shield; 

He  '11  glory  give  and  grace  : 
The  upright  ne'er  in  vain  appealed 

For  good  before  His  face: 
Those,  Lord  of  Hosts,  Thy  love  hath  sealed 

Who  trust  in  Thee  shall  place. 


LIFE   AS   A  FLEETING   DAY 

JEHOVAH,  Thou  hast  been  our  Habitation 
In  all  earth's  generations  long; 
Before  the  mountains  rose  into  their  station, 
Or  ever  Thou  had'st  from  the  throng 

Of  atoms  formed  the  earth,  the  world  upraising,— 

Even  from  everlasting  Thou 
To  everlasting  art  our  God,  whom  praising, 

Before  Thee  shall  creation  bow. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  dust,  with  cry:   "  Returning 

Be  ye,  the  children  of  mankind." 
A  thousand  years  as  yesterday  discerning 

Art  Thou,  and  they  are  left  behind, — 

Behind,  like  watch  that  one  at  night  is  keeping, 
Thou  bearest  them  like  swelling  stream; 

In  their  condition  they  are  like  the  sleeping, — 
As  those  who  wrapt  in  slumber  dream. 

At  morning  they  are  like  the  grass  upgrowing — 
'T  is  flourishing  and  growing  strong 

At  noontide's  hour;  at  eventide  man's  mowing 
Has  laid  it  dry  the  earth  along. 

55 


56  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

For  in  Thine  anger  we  're  consumed ;  we  're  fretting 

At  Thy  deep  wrath  in  trouble  sore  ; 
Before  Thee  our  iniquities  Thou  'rt  setting, — 

Our  secret  sins  Thy  sight  before. 

For  in  Thy  wrath  our  days  away  are  passing; 

Of  our  short  years,  the  end  appears. 
They  're  but  a  sigh;  the  sum  of  their  amassing 

Is  but  threescore  and  ten  brief  years, 

Or  fourscore,  maybe,  through  man's  strength  un- 
shattered; 

Yet  is  their  pride  but  toil  and  pain: 
For  soon  't  is  gone,  and  we  in  flight  are  scattered, — 

In  face  of  death  men  strive  in  vain. 

Who  knows  Thine  anger's  power;  Thy  wrath,  ac- 
cording 

Unto  the  fear  that  's  due  Thy  name  ? 
So  let  us  turn  to  count  our  days,  affording, 

Time,  Wisdom's  heart  that  we  may  claim. 

Return,    O    Lord,    how    long  ?      For    each    good 
servant 

Let  it  repent  Thee;  to  us  give 
For  Thine  own  mercy,  satisfaction  fervent 

At  morning-tide,  that  we  may  live 

Through  all  our  days  in  joyfulness  and  gladness. 

O  gladden  us  with  joy  serene 
For  days  wherein  Thou  leddest  us  in  sadness, — 

For  years  when  evil  we  have  seen. 


LIFE   AS   A   FLEETING   DAY  $? 

Before  Thy  servants  let  Thy  work  be  glowing, — 

Thy  glory  on  their  children  shine; 
The  beauty  of  the  Lord  be  Thou  bestowing 

On  us, — the  beauty  all  divine. 

The  work  that  with  our  hands  we  've  been  per- 
forming 

Do  Thou  establish  on  us  now; — 
The  work  wherein  our  hearts  are  ever  warming, — 

This  work  of  Thine, — establish  Thou. 


THE   LORD'S   PAVILION 

HE  who  within  the  secret  place  is  hiding, 
Of  God,  the  Lord  Most  High, 
Beneath  th'  Almighty's  shade  shall  be  abiding, — 
His  shelter  ever  nigh. 

My  Refuge  and  my  Fortress  I  '11  be  calling 

My  Lord,  the  God  I  trust  ; 
Into  the  snare  He  '11  thee  preserve  from  falling — 

God,  ever  kind  and  just. 

And  from  the  noisome  pestilence  thee  keeping, 

He  with  His  pinions  thee 
Shall  cover;  'neath  His  wings  safe  sleeping, 

Blest  shall  thy  refuge  be. 

His  truth  's  a  shield  and  buckler:  when  there  lieth 

Night's  terrors  round  thy  head, 
Thou  'It  have  no  fear,  and  neither  when  there  flieth 

The  daytime's  arrow  dread. 

Plague  known  to  darkness  shall  not  terrify  thee, 

Nor  fright  shall  thee  attend 
For  noontide's  fell  destruction  drawing  nigh  thee, 

Its  wasting  scourge  to  spend. 

58 


THE   LORDS   PAVILION  59 

A  thousand  souls  shall  at  thy  side  be  falling, 

And  close  at  thy  right  hand 
Ten  thousand  more  shall  low  be  laid;  but  calling 

On  God,  thou  safe  shalt  stand. 

With  thine  eyes  only  shalt  thou  be  beholding, — 

Their  dark  rewarding  see 
Who  wicked  are:  for  Thou,  Lord,  me  art  folding, 

My  refuge  sure,  to  be. 

The  Most  High  thou  hast  made  thy  habitation; 

No  ill  shall  thee  befall, 
Nor  any  plague  near  thy  tent  take  its  station, 

And  thee  with  fear  appal. 

For  thee  He  '11  bid  His  angel  hosts  be  caring, 

To  keep  thee  all  thy  ways ; 
Thee,  upward  in  their  hands  will  they  be  bearing, 

Thy  feet  from  stone-wounds  raise. 

On  lion  and  on  adder  thou  'It  be  treading, 

The  lion's  cub  also  ; 
And  serpent  thou  in  nowise  longer  dreading, 

Thy  feet  shall  trample  low. 

Deliverance  I  '11  be  on  him  bestowing, 

Since  he  so  loveth  Me. 
He,  therefore,  since  My  name  he  hath  been  knowing, 

Exalted  high  shall  be. 

Upon  Me  he  shall  day  by  day  be  calling, 

And  I  will  answer  him ; 
When  Trouble's  night  upon  his  heart  is  falling, 

I  '11  light  its  darkness  dim. 


6o  SONGS   FROM  THE   PSALTER 

Him  I  '11  deliver;  honor  bringing  nigh  him, 

On  him  will  I  bestow  ; 
With  length  of  days  I  '11  surely  satisfy  him; 

Him  My  salvation  show. 


THE   LORD'S   MAJESTY 

JEHOVAH  reigns;  with  majesty  is  He  arrayed; 
Jehovah  is  apparelled  fair  and  strong; 
With  strength   He   hath   Him  girded   round;    all 
firmly  laid 
Are  the  foundations  that  to  earth  belong. 

No  wind  of  universe  the  world  can  shake  apart — 
Established  firmly  is  Thy  throne  of  old  : 

Thou,  truly,  from  the  everlasting  ages  art; 
Thy  power  through  all  the  ages  men  behold. 

The  stormy  floods  have  lifted   up   themselves,   O 
Lord, 
The  floods  their  voice  have  lifted  very  high, 
The  floods  the  deep  sound  of  their  roaring  send 
abroad, 
Their  mighty  tumult  rises  to  the  sky. 

Above  the  voices  of  the  many  waters  loud, — 
The  proud,  resistless  breakers  of  the  sea, — 

Jehovah,  far  on  high,  with  might  is  sure  endowed: 
The  might  that  never  flags  nor  fails  hath  He. 

Sure,  sure,  beyond  a  doubt  Thy  testimonies  live 
As  strong  to-day  as  in  the  days  of  yore: 

To  holiness,  our  lives,  Jehovah,  make  us  give; 
It  well  becomes  Thine  House  forevermore. 
61 


JEHOVAH'S  WORTHINESS  OF  PRAISE 

OH,  come!  oh,   come!    let  us  break  forth  in 
singing, 
In  singing  to  the  Lord; 
A  joyful,  joyful  noise  let  us  be  ringing 
Far,  far  the  world  abroad, — 

To  Him,  our  Rock,  the  Rock  of  our  salvation. 

Before  His  presence  now 
Oh  let  us  come  with  thankful  celebration, 

Before  Him  humbly  bow. 

Let  us  a  joyful  noise  to  Him  be  raising, 

With  psalm's  pure  melody; 
For  great,  great  is  our  God,  the  Lord  we  're  prais- 
ing, 

Above  all  gods  is  He. 

Great  King  !  Great  King  !  in  his  sure  hand  He  's 
shielding 
Earth's  deepest  places  all; 
The    mountain    heights    are  His, — Him    homage 
yielding, 
Their  Maker,  Him  they  call. 
62 


JEHOVAH'S  WORTHINESS   OF  PRAISE      63 

The  sea,  the  sea  is  His;   't  is  He  who  made  it; 

And  with  His  gracious  hands 
He  formed  the  dry  land,  and  so  arrayed  it 

That  fair  and  strong  it  stands. 

Oh  come!  oh  come!  in  worship  pure  and  lowly 

Let  us  before  Him  bend; 
Low  kneeling  to  the  Lord,  our  Maker  holy, — 

Our  Maker  and  our  Friend. 


For  He  's  our  God;  to  Him  are  we  belonging; 

Yea,  vvre  His  people  are 
Sheep  of  His  hand,  the  flock  His  pasture  thronging 

From  folds  both  near  and  far. 


To-day,  oh  that  ye  'd  hear  His  voice  of  pardon, — 

His  voice  that  fain  would  bless! 
Your  heart,  as  at  Meribah,  do  not  harden, — 

As  in  the  wilderness 


In  Massah's  day,  when,  tried,  your  fathers  straying 

All  faithless,  tempted  Me, 
Brought  Me  to  proof,  My  precepts  disobeying, 

And  Mine  own  work  did  see. 


Long,  long,  for  forty  years  this  generation 

Did  grieve  Me  very  sore; 
I  said:   "  It  is  a  people  weak;  a  nation 

Erring  to  their  hearts'  core. 


64 


SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 


"  They   have   not  known   My  ways."     So  was  I 
swearing, 

By  mighty  wrath  possessed, 
That  they  the  Promised  Land  should  not  be  sharing, 

Nor  come  into  My  rest. 


JEHOVAH'S    EXALTATION 

JEHOVAH  reigneth;  be  the  earth  rejoicing; 
Supremely  glad 
Let  all  the  isles  their  jubilance  be  voicing, 
Nor  more  be  sad. 

Around  about  Him  doth  the  darkness  lower, 

And  clouds,  thick  strown : 
On  righteousness  and  judgment  rests  in  power 

His  glorious  throne. 

A  fire,  devouring,  flieth  on  before  Him, 

And  knows  no  bound, 
Until  it  burnetii  (though  they  loud  implore  Him) 

His  foes  around. 

His  lightnings,  in  the  darkened  heav'ns  assembled, 

The  world  did  light: 
The  earth  in  fearfulness  bowed  down  and  trembled 

Before  the  sight. 

The  hills,  like  wax,  were  melted  at  the  presence 

Of  Him,  the  Lord;— 
Before  Him,  who  of  power  is  the  quintessence, 

The  earth  abroad. 

65 


66  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

The  heavens,  of  His  own  righteousness  the  story 

In  might  declare: 
And  all  the  peoples  have  beheld  His  glory, 

Shed  everywhere. 

Ashamed  be  all  who  images  are  serving, 

Engraven,  grim; — 
That    boast    themselves   of   idols,    from   Jehovah 
swerving: 

Ye  gods,  serve  Him. 

Heard  Zion,  and  was  glad,  and  Judah's  daughters 

In  joy  did  share, 
For  all  Thy  judgments,   Lord,  which  Thou   hast 
taught  us 

In  Thy  strong  care. 

For  Thou,  Jehovah,  art  most  high  uplifted 

The  earth  above; 
Above  all  gods  with  glory  Thou  art  gifted, 

Thou  God  of  love. 

O  ye  that  love  the  Lord,  be  evil  hating: 

From  wicked  hands 
He  saves  the  souls  of  those,  His  pure  ones,  waiting 

On  His  commands. 

Light  for  the  righteous,  sown  in  fields  of  sadness, 

Their  gloom  doth  part; 
And  maketh  He  to  bloom  with  flowers  of  gladness 

The  upright  heart. 


JEHOVAH'S   EXALTATION  67 

Ye  righteous,  from  Jehovah  ever  living 

Joy  freely  claim; 
Praise  ye,  and  magnify  with  high  thanksgiving 

His  holy  name. 


JEHOVAH'S    SALVATION 

UNTO  Jehovah  sing 
A  song  before  unknown; 
For  many  a  wondrous  thing 
Hath  He  wrought  for  His  own. 

His  right  hand  and  His  arm 

Of  perfect  holiness 
Have  rescued  them  from  harm, 

And  sin's  enslaving  stress. 

The  Lord  hath  made  men  see 
His  true  and  saving  might; 

His  righteousness  hath  He 
Shown  in  the  nations'  sight. 

In  memory  doth  He  hold 
His  mercy;  faithfulness 

That  Israel  did  enfold, 

And  all  her  house  did  bless. 

Earth's  distant  ends  have  all 
Our  God's  salvation  seen; 

Upon  Jehovah  call, 

All  earth  in  joyful  paean. 
68 


JEHOVAH'S   SALVATION  69 

Break  forth  and  sing  for  joy; 

Yea,  glorious  praises  sing; 
Praise  for  the  Lord  employ 

With  harp  of  sweetest  string, — 

With  harp,  and  with  the  voice 

Of  truest  melody; 
With  trumpet  clear,  rejoice; 

With  cornet,  tuneful  be, — 

Before  the  King,  the  Lord, 

Oh  lift  a  joyful  song  ; 
Let  ocean  roar  abroad, 

And  those  that  in  it  throng — 

The  world,  and  they  who  dwell 

Upon  its  teeming  lands; 
Let  all  the  floods  joy  tell 

With  clapping  of  their  hands. 

Now  let  the  mountains  sing 

In  joyous  harmony; 
Before  Jehovah  bring 

Praise  that  shall  welcome  be: 


For  He  is  coming, — He 

To  judge  the  earth  at  length, — 
The  Lord  of  purity, 

And  never-failing  strength. 


70  SONGS   FROM    THE   PSALTER 

The  world,  in  righteousness, 
Judged  by  the  Lord  shall  be; 

And  He  will  surely  bless 
The  race  with  equity. 


THE   REIGNING   LORD 

JEHOVAH  reigneth  over  all; 
Let  trembling  on  the  people  fall, 
While  they  upon  His  mercy  call. 

Between  the  cherubim  dwells  He; 
Be  moved  earth,  in  reverence  be 
Adoring  God's  supremacy. 

The  Lord  in  Zion's  hill  is  great; 
Upon  Him  shall  the  peoples  wait; 
High  o'er  them  all  He  's  situate. 

Thy  terrible,  Thy  mighty  name 

Let  them  in  glorious  praise  proclaim ; 

He  's  holy, — evermore  the  same. 

The  strength  that  dwelleth  with  the  King 
Doth  judgment  love,  unfaltering; 
To  sturdy  roots  Thou  makest  cling 

The  plant  of  fairest  equity; 
Thou  executest  judgment  free; 
Thy  righteousness  shall  Jacob  see. 
7i 


72  SONGS    FROM    THE    PSALTER 

The  Lord  our  God  exalt  ye  high; 
In  worship  at  His  footstool  vie: 
His  holiness  shall  stand  for  aye. 

Among  His  priests,  on  holy  ground 
Moses  and  Aaron,  too,  are  found; 
And  with  them  who  His  praises  sound 

Is  Samuel:  God's  grace  they  crave; 
Upon  His  name,  all  strong  to  save, 
They  called,  and  He  an  answer  gave. 

Within  the  cloudy  pillar,  lo! 

His  accents  strong  He  made  them  know; — 

His  favor  unto  them  did  show. 

They  kept  the  testimonies  sure 

He  gave  to  them;  His  statutes  pure 

By  them,  unbroken,  did  endure. 

O  Lord,  our  God,  to  whom  we  bow, 
Them  with  an  answer  surely  Thou 
Didst,  from  Thy  gracious  heart,  endow. 

Thou  wast  a  God  who  didst  bestow 
Forgiveness  that  they  all  might  know, 
Who  did  to  Thee  for  pardon  go ; — 

Though,  of  their  doings,  Thou  did'st  take 
Vengeance,  e'en  for  Thy  just  name's  sake, 
Since  they  Thy  pure  commands  did  break. 

The  Lord  our  God  exalt  ye  still, 
And  worship  at  His  Holy  Hill; 
For  He,  our  God,  can  ne'er  do  ill. 


A   SONG   OF   THANKSGIVING 

UNTO  Jehovah  sing  with  joy, 
All  ye  far-stretching  lands; 
Your  hearts  in  gladsomeness  employ 
While  doing  His  commands. 

Come  to  His  presence  ever  blest 
With  songs  in  sweet  accord; 

In  this  supreme  assurance  rest: — 
Jehovah — He  is  God. 

'T  is  He,  't  is  He  who  hath  us  made; 

To  Him  do  we  belong: 
We  are  His  own;  we  're  not  afraid 

'Neath  His  protection  strong. 

We  are  His  people;  we  the  sheep 

Within  His  pasture  fair: 
Safe  sheltered,  He  the  souls  doth  keep 

Who  trust  His  tender  care. 

Into  His  gates  make  entrance  now, — 
Thank-off  rings  in  each  hand; 

Within  His  courts  all  lowly  bow; 
In  praise  before  Him  stand. 
73 


74  SONGS   FROM    THE   PSALTER 

To  Him,  to  Him  your  thanks  present, 

And  ever  bless  His  name 
"Whose  love  is  thine  o'ershadowing  tent, 

Forevermore  the  same. 

For  good  Jehovah  is;  all  time 

His  mercy  doth  endure; 
His  faithfulness  in  every  clime, 

For  every  race,  is  sure. 


THE   GOODNESS   OF   THE    LORD 

OSOUL  of  mine,  Jehovah  bless; 
And  all  that  is  in  me 
His  name  of  perfect  righteousness 

Still  ever  blessing  be; 
Jehovah's  grace,  my  soul,  confess, — 
His  benefits  so  free: 

Who  doth  forgive  thine  every  sin ; 

Thine  every  sickness  heal ; 
Who,  thee  redeemed,  thy  heart  within, 

Will  never  let  thee  feel 
The  pit's  dark  power,  who  thee  doth  win 

From  woe  to  perfect  weal; — 

Who  thee  with  loving-kindness  long, 

And  mercies  tender,  true, 
Doth  crown,  and  makes  thy  life  a  song; 

Who  doth  thy  years  endue 
With  good;  so  that  like  eagle  strong 

Thou  dost  thy  youth  renew. 

Jehovah  worketh  righteousness, 
And  judgments,  too,  for  those 

Whom  man  unjustly  shall  oppress — 
His  ways  did  He  disclose 

To  Moses;  Israel  in  distress, 
He  guided  'gainst  her  foes. 
75 


76  SONGS  FROM   THE   PSALTER 

The  Lord's  compassion  is  so  great; 

Of  grace  He  hath  full  store; 
His  anger  through  long  time  doth  wait; 

His  mercy's  cup  runs  o'er — 
He  '11  chide  not  ever;  soon  or  late, 

His  wrath  will  be  no  more. 

He  hath  not  dealt  to  us  the  meed 

That  all  our  sins  require; 
Nor  hath  rewarded  us,  indeed, 

With  penalty  entire 
For  our  iniquities,  but  freed 

Us  from  chastisement  dire. 

As  heav'n  above  the  earth  is  high, 

So  is  His  mercy  free 
Toward  those  who  draw  in  reverence  nigh 

His  throne  of  purity — 
Far  as  the  east  from  western  sky 

He  makes  our  sins  to  be. 

Like  as  a  father  pities,  here, 

His  children,  God  e'en  so 
Will  pity  them  who  Him  shall  fear — 

For  He  our  frame  doth  know; 
He  minds  that  we  are  dust,  yet  dear 

To  Him  is  man  below. 

For  man,  indeed,  his  days  are  grass; 

A  flower  of  the  field 
He  flourisheth.     The  wind  doth  pass 


THE   GOODNESS   OF   THE   LORD  ^ 

O'er  it,  and  naught  can  shield 
It  from  swift  death;  its  place,  alas! 
No  more  shall  be  revealed. 

But  ages  on,  from  year  to  year 

The  mercy  of  the  Lord 
Will  rest  on  them  who  Him  shall  fear; 

His  righteousness  is  stored 
For  children's  children,  far  and  near; 

It  is  the  blest  reward 

Of  such  as  keep  His  covenant, 

And  mind  His  words  to  keep, — 
That  He  to  them  will  surely  grant. 

His  throne  Jehovah  deep 
And  strong  within  the  heav'ns  doth  plant; 

His  realm  hath  world-wide  sweep. 

O  bless  the  Lord,  His  angels  all: 

Ye  strong,  and  full  of  might, 
On  whom,  attent,  His  Word  doth  fall; 

Ye,  ever  in  his  sight — 
Ye  hosts  of  His,  in  blessing  call 

Upon  the  Lord  of  Light; — 

His  servants  all,  below,  on  high, 

Whose  will  He  doth  control — 
All  works  of  His,  in  earth  and  sky, 

Where  farthest  planets  roll, — 
Yea,  farther  than  our  thoughts  can  fly: — 

Oh  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul. 


A   SONG   OF   THE    REDEEMED 

OH  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord:  for  He  is  good: 
His  mercy  doth  endure  forevermore. 
Let  God's  redeemed  say  so,  who  safe  have  stood, — 

Whom  saved  He  from  their  adversary  sore, 
And  from  the  lands  did  bring   them   where  He 
would — 
From  east,  west,  north,  and  ocean's  pathway  o'er. 

They  roamed  a  lone  way  in  the  wilderness; 

They  found  no  city  where  they  might  abide — 
Hungry  were  they  and  thirsty;  in  sharp  stress 

Their  soul  within  them  fainted.     Then  they  cried 
To  God  in  their  affliction,  them  to  bless; 

And  He  from  pain  to  healing  them  did  guide. 

He  led  them  also  by  a  pathway  straight, 
That  they  might  find  a  city  of  abode; — 

O  would  that  men,  e'en  for  His  goodness  great, 
Would  praise  the  Lord, — for  works  that  He  hath 
showed 

All  wonderful  to  them  that  on  Him  wait, — 
That  He  upon  mankind  hath  free  bestowed. 

For  He  the  longing  soul  doth  satisfy; 

The  hungry  soul  with  good  things  doth  He  fill. 

78 


A  SONG  OF  THE   REDEEMED  79 

Those  who  beneath  the  veil  of  darkness  lie, 

Those  who  are  covered  by  Death's  shadow  chill, — 

Because  against  God's  words  they  raised  a  cry, 
Rebellious,  seeking  not  to  do  His  will, — 

Because  the  plan  of  God  Most  High  they  held. 
In  cool  contempt:  then  He  their  heart  brought 
down 
With  toil;  they  helpless  fell  who  had  rebelled: 
Then,  crying  from  the  waves  that  them  would 
drown, 
God  saved  them,  led  them  out,  for  them  expelled 
The  dark  death-shade  that    on  their  way  did 
frown. 

Their  lands,  also,  He  broke  asunder  far — 

O  would    that   men,   e'en    for   His  pure,   good 
ways, 
Would  praise  the  Lord, — for  works  that  wondrous 
are, 
Toward    children    of   mankind:    Him    let   men 
praise! 
For  He  the  gates  of  brass  hath  rent  ajar, 

Cut  iron  bars  that  strong  themselves  did  raise. 

Fools  for  the  way  of  their  transgression  are 
Afflicted,  and  by  reason  of  their  sin — 

All  kinds  of  meat  their  soul  repels  afar; 
The  gates  of  death  they  almost  enter  in — ■ 

Unto  the  Lord  they  cry  when  pain  their  lives  doth 
bar, 
And  He,  from  woe,  for  them  doth  safety  win. 


So  SONGS    FROM   THE    PSALTER 

His  Word  He  sends,  and  them  doth  healing  bring; 

He  them  delivers  from  destruction  fell — 
O  that  men  to  the  Lord  would  praises  sing 

For  all  his  wonders  nigh  incredible, — 
His  goodness  to  mankind  in  everything; — 

O  that  men  would  Jehovah's  praises  tell, 

And  sacrifices  of  thanksgiving  free 

Be  theirs;  His  works  with  song  let  them  declare. 
They  that  go  down  in  ships  unto  the  sea, 

They  that  for  trade  the  mighty  waters  dare, 
These  see  Jehovah's  works,  how  great  they  be, — 

His  wonders  that  the  vasty  deep  doth  bear. 

For  He  but  speaks,  and  stormy  winds  arise, 

Which  lift  in  might  each  darkly  gathering  wave; — 

They  mount,  they  mount  in  grandeur  to  the  skies, 
Again  they  sink  in  deepest  ocean-grave — 

Because  of  pain,  their  soul  all  melting  sighs, 
Like  drunkard  reeling,  help  they  wildly  crave. 

They  stagger,  e'en  at  their  wits'  end  indeed — 
Then,  in  their  woe,  unto  the  Lord  they  cry; 

And  them  from  their  distresses  doth  He  lead, 
The  stormy  sea,  now  calm  He  makes  to  lie: 

So,  glad,  because  from  tumult  they  are  freed, 
He  brings  them  to  the  port  for  which  they  sigh. 

O  that  men  for  His  goodness  great  the  Lord 

Would  praise,  and  for  His  works  of  wonder  rare 
Which  freely  to  mankind  He  doth  afford ; 


A   SONG   OF   THE    REDEEMED  8 1 

Let  them  exalt  Him  in  th'  assembly  where 

The  people  come;  to  Him  be  praise  outpoured, 

By  them  who  're  seated  in  the  elders'  chair. 

He  turneth  rivers  to  a  wilderness 

And  water-springs  into  a  thirsty  ground; — 

Rich  land  to  land  where  salt  is  in  excess, 
E'en  for  the  wickedness  that  doth  abound 

In  them  that  dwell  therein,  whose  guilt  doth  press, 
And  call  for  punishment  the  region  round. 

The  wilderness  He  makes  a  pool  of  rain, 
To  water-springs  He  turneth  the  dry  land ; 

He  makes  the  hungry  in  its  bounds  remain, 
That  there  a  city  of  abode  their  hand 

May  fashion,  and  sow  fields  of  waving  grain, 
And  vineyards  plant,  and  more  and  more  expand, 

That  they  may  get  them  fruits  that  shall  not  cease; 

He  blesseth  them,  so  that  they  're  multiplied; 
He  suff'reth  not  their  cattle  to  decrease. 

Again,  they  're  minished,  and  bowed  low  abide, 
Because  of  pain,  oppression,  sorrow;  peace 

Has  vanished  from  its  station  at  their  side. 

Contempt  upon  the  princes  doth  He  pour, 
And  causeth  them  to  wander  in  the  waste 

Where  no  way  can  be  found,  its  surface  o'er. 
Yet  He  the  needy  one  on  high  hath  placed, 

So  that  affliction  he  may  feel  no  more; 

With  flock  of  little  ones  his  home  hath  graced. 


82  SONGS   FROM   THE    PSALTER 

The  upright  shall  behold  it,  and  be  glad; 

And  all  Iniquity  her  mouth  shall  close. 
Whoso  is  found  with  Wisdom's  vesture  clad 

Shall  to  these  things  give  heed  where'er  he  goes; 
The  mercies  of  the  Lord,  that  he  has  had, 

He  '11   think  upon, — e'en   how   his   need   God 
knows. 


THE    IDEAL    KING 

JEHOVAH  said  unto  my  Lord,  "  Be  sitting 
At  My  right  hand; 
Until  I  make  Thy  foes  Thy  footstool  fitting 
By  My  command." 

The  Lord  the  rod  of  Thy  strength  shall  be  sending 

From  Zion  blest: 
Rule  Thou  amongst  Thy  foes  in  power  unending, 

Victor  confessed. 

Thy  people  in  the  day  Thy  power  prevaileth 

Themselves  present 
Freely:  in  beauty  that  no  sinning  paleth; 

With  heart  unrent 

By  strife,  Thou  hast  from  out  the  womb  of  morning 

The  dew  of  youth. 
The  Lord  hath  sworn;  He  '11  not  repent;  adorning 

Thy  Church  with  truth. 

Thou  art,  like  to  Melchizedek,  forever 

A  glorious  Priest. 
The    Lord   beside    Thee   kings    from  might  shall 
sever, — 

His  wrath  released. 
83 


84  SONGS   FROM   THE    PSALTER 

He  will  be  Judge  among  the  nations,  chilling 

Their  hearts  with  dread; 
The  places  with  the  dead  shall  He  be  filling; 

E'en  through  the  head 

Lands,   far   and   near  He  '11  strike,   before  Him 
shrinking  ; 

Their  strongholds  rift; — 
Therefore     shall      He — from     wayside     streamlet 
drinking — 

The  head  uplift. 


HALLELUJAH    SONG 

WHEN  forth  from  Egypt  Israel  went, 
When  from  a  people  of  strange  speech 
Away  the  house  of  Jacob  bent 

Their  footsteps,  other  fields  to  reach, — 

Judah  became  His  holy  seat 

And  His  dominion  Israel; 
The  sea  beheld  and  beat  retreat, 

Yea,  Jordan's  waves  that  wildly  swell. 

The  mountains  skipped  like  rams  around, 
The  little  hills  like  new-born  sheep. 

O  Sea,  what  ails  thee;  why  art  found 
Far  fleeing,  O  thou  raging  Deep  ? 

Jordan,  what  aileth  thee,  that  thou 

Should' st  from  thy  course  take  backward  way  ? 
What  ails  ye,  mountains,  too,  that  now 

Like  rams  ye  should  be  skipping  gay  ? 

What  ails  ye,  little  hills,  that  ye 

Like  new-born  sheep  should  sport  around  ? — 
Earth,  tremble,  thou!  for  near  to  thee 

The  Lord,  the  mighty  Lord  is  found. 

85 


86  SONGS   FROM   THE   TSALTER 

Tremble!  for  Jacob's  God  is  near, 
Who  turned  the  rock  abiding  long 

Into  a  pool  of  water  clear, 

The  flint  into  a  fountain  strong. 


JEHOVAH'S    LOVING-KINDNESS 

1LOVE  the  Lord,  since  He  hath  heard 
My  voice,  my  supplication  strong: 
Since  He  hath  marked  my  every  word, 
I  '11  call  on  Him  my  whole  life  long. 

The  cords  of  death  my  heart  did  bind, 
And  Sheol's  pains  took  hold  on  me; 

Trouble  and  sorrow  did  I  find, 

Nor  from  their  grasp  could  set  me  free. 

Then  called  I  on  Jehovah's  name: 

"  I  pray  Thee,  save  my  soul,  O  Lord;'1 

The  Lord  is  gracious,  aye  the  same, 
And  righteous  is  His  name  adored. 

For  mercy,  too,  our  God  is  known; 

The  Lord  the  simple  soul  doth  keep: 
I  low  was  brought,  and  He  alone 

Delivered  me  in  trouble  deep. 

My  soul,  return  unto  thy  rest; 

For  bounteously  the  Lord  with  thee 
Hath  dealt, — attentive  to  thy  quest; 

His  grace  is  boundless  as  the  sea, 

87 


88  SONGS   FROM   THE   TSALTER 

For  Thou  hast  saved  my  soul  from  death; 

Mine  eyes  from  tears;  my  feet  made  stand 
Before  the  Lord  while  I  have  breath 

I  '11  walk  within  the  fair  life-land. 

I  well  believed  when  thus  I  spake: 
With  great  afflictions  spent  was  I: 

And  hasty  speech  my  tongue  did  make: 
All  men  I  said  but  live  a  lie. 

To  God  what  shall  I  offer  up 
For  all  his  benefits  toward  me  ? 

I  now  will  take  salvation's  cup, 

And  calling  on  God's  name  I  '11  be. 

My  vows  unto  the  Lord  of  Light 
I  '11  pay,  where  Israel  worshippeth. 

How  precious  in  Jehovah's  sight 
The  triumph  of  His  saints  in  death! 

0  Lord,  I  am  Thy  servant  true, — 
Thy  servant,  son  of  thine  handmaid; 

Sundered  hast  Thou  my  chains  in  two — 
My  loving  thanks  to  Thee  '11  be  paid, 

And  on  Jehovah's  name  I  '11  call; 

I  '11  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord, 
Where,  worshipping,  His  people  fall, — 

His  people  gathered  from  abroad. 

1  '11  worship  in  Jehovah's  courts; 
In  thee,  Jerusalem,  I  '11  raise 

My  song,  O  fairest  of  resorts! — 
Unto  the  Lord,  now  give  ye  praise, 


SONG   OF    THE    EXILE 

IN  my  distress  I  raised  a  cry 
Unto  the  Lord;  He  answer  gave. 
From  lying  lips  my  soul,  God  save, 
And  from  the  tongue  that  plans  to  lie. 

What  shall  be  given  unto  thee  ? 

What  shall  be  done  to  thee  still  more, 
Thou  tongue,  whose  lies  are  planned  before, 

That  speakest  e'er  deceitfully  ? 

Sharp  arrows  of  the  sons  of  might, 

With  coals  of  juniper  aglow. 

That  I  should  bide  in  Meshech, — woe! — 
In  Kedar's  tent,  prepared  for  fight! 

My  soul  hath  had  for  many  a  day 
To  dwell  with  him  that  hateth  peace. 
For  peace  was  I;  for  strife's  surcease: 

But  when  I  speak,  for  war  are  they. 


89 


THE    HILLS    OF    GOD 

TO  God's  fair  hills  I  '11  lift  mine  eyes: 
From  whence  shall  come  mine  aid  ? 
My  help  e'en  from  the  Lord  shall  rise, 
Who  heav'n  and  earth  hath  made. 

Thy  foot  He  never  will  permit 

In  helplessness  to  fall: 
Thy  Keeper  thee  will  never  quit, 

Nor  list  to  slumber's  call. 

Lo,  He  that  keepeth  Israel 

Shall  slumber  not,  nor  sleep. 
Jehovah,  God,  forever  well 

Thy  waiting  soul  doth  keep: — 

The  Lord  's  thy  shade  on  thy  right  hand— 

The  sun  thee  shall  not  smite 
By  day,  and  safely  shalt  thou  stand 

Beneath  the  moon  by  night. 

God,  from  all  evil,  thee  shall  win; 

He  '11  cover  thy  soul  o'er — 
Thy  going  out  and  coming  in 

He  '11  keep  forevermore. 
90 


THE  PILGRIM  SALUTING  JERUSALEM 

HOW  glad  was  I  when  comrades  said, 
Let  us  the  blessed  pathway  tread 
Unto  Jehovah's  Temple  fair! 
Within  thy  gates  our  weary  feet 
Have  stood,  Jerusalem  complete, — 
Jerusalem,  of  beauty  rare! 

A  city  thou  that  builded  art 
Strong  and  compact  in  every  part, 

Whereto  the  tribes  their  footsteps  bend; — 
The  tribes  with  whom  the  Lord  doth  dwell 
For  witness  unto  Israel, — 

Who  to  Jehovah's  Word  attend. 

They  go  their  thankful  songs  to  bring 
Unto  their  gracious  Lord  and  King — 

For  there  are  thrones  for  judgment  placed, — 
Thrones  that  in  David's  House  are  found. 
Pray  that  God's  peace  may  compass  round 

Jerusalem,  with  beauty  graced. 

Prosperity  shall  be  for  them 
That  love  thee,  blest  Jerusalem — 
Within  thy  walls  let  peace  abide; 
91 


92  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

Within  thy  palaces  serene 
Prosperity  be  ever  seen, 

Nor  harm  nor  sorrow  thee  betide. 

E'en  for  my  brethren's  sake,  indeed, — 
E'en  for  mine  own  companions'  need, 

The  greeting  that  I  now  will  speak 
Is:  Peace  in  thee  be  richly  stored 
For  His  fair  House, — the  Lord  our  God- 

Thy  good  I  '11  diligently  seek. 


THE    EXILE'S    PRAYER 

TO  Thee  I  raise  mine  eyes  afar 
O  Thou  that  dost  the  heav'ns  command. 
Behold,  as  eyes  of  servants  are 
Directed  to  their  master's  hand, 

As  eyes  of  maiden  steadfast  rest 

Upon  the  mistress  she  obeys, — 
So,  on  Jehovah  ever  blest 

Our  eyes  in  patient  longing  gaze, 

Till  He  upon  us  mercy  show. 

Have  mercy,  mercy  on  us  Lord: 
Contempt  our  soul  doth  overflow, 

From  hand  of  enemies  outpoured. 

Our  soul  is  filled  exceedingly 

With  scorning  very  fierce  and  loud 

Of  those  who  at  their  ease  still  be; 
And  with  contempt  of  all  the  proud. 


93 


THE    EXILE'S    MEDITATION 

HAD  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  side,  unfailing, 
Let  Israel  now  say; 
Had  not  the  Lord  been  on  our  side,  prevailing 
When  men  opposed  our  way, — 

Then  us,  while  yet  alive,  would  they  have  swal- 
lowed, 

When  blazed  for  us  their  wrath; 
Then  had  the  waves  to  whelm  us  pressing,  followed 

And  overflowed  our  path. 

Then   had   the   stream — proud    stream — our   soul 
gone  over. 

Jehovah  God  be  blest, 
Who  gave  us  not  unto  the  hostile  rover 

Who  would  our  soul  have  pressed. 

Our  soul,  like  bird  from  fowler's  snare  is  flying: 

The  snare  breaks;  flight  we  take. 
Upon  Jehovah's  name  we  are  relying, 

Who  heav'n  and  earth  did  make. 


94 


THE    STRENGTH    OF    ZION 

THEY  who  in  God  Jehovah  trust 
Are  even  as  Mount  Zion  strong, 
Which  standeth  through  the  ages  long, 
Unmoved,  nor  crumbleth  into  dust. 

E'en  as  around  Jerusalem 

The  hills  in  strength  and  beauty  lie, 
So  round  His  own  the  Lord  Most  High 

Remaineth — aye,  to  shelter  them. 

Sceptre  of  them  that  wicked  be 
Shall  rest  not  on  the  just  one's  lot; 
That  they  their  righteous  hands  may  not 

Put  forth  unto  iniquity. 

Do  good,  O  Lord,  do  good  to  those 
That  be  good,  and  to  them  that  are 
Upright  in  heart,  and  turning  far 

From  all  who  righteousness  oppose. 

But  as  for  those  who  good  repel 

In  crooked  ways, — these  God  shall  lead 
With  them  of  many  a  wicked  deed. 

Peace,  peace  abide  on  Israel! 
95 


SOWING   AND   REAPING 

WHEN  Zion's  hard  captivity 
Jehovah  kindly  turned  again, 
We  were  like  them  that  dreaming  be, — 
Then  was  our  mouth  with  laughter  stored, 

Our  tongue  was  full  of  songful  strain. 
Then  said  they  through  the  race  abroad, 

11  The  Lord  great  things  for  them  hath  done." 
He  greatly  blessed  us;  glad  we  are — 

Lord,  turn  again  each  captive  one, 

As  streams  that  in  the  southland  flow. 
They  who  while  shedding  tears  afar 

Through  all  the  fields  and  meadows  sow, 

In  joy,  at  harvest-time  shall  reap; 

Though  on  his  way  he  goes  along, 
And  while  he  bears  the  seed  doth  weep, 
Though  now  he  worn  and  weary  grieves, 

He  '11  come  again,  with  joyful  song, 
The  while  he  bringeth  in  his  sheaves. 


96 


SONG   OF   HOME 

EXCEPT  the  house  be  builded  by 
The  Lord,  its  builders  vainly  toil: 
The  city  kept  not  'neath  God's  eye, 

Though  watched  all  night,  will  man  despoil. 

Vain  't  is  for  you  that  you  arise 

So  early,  and  take  rest  so  late; 
And  eat  the  bread  that  labor  buys: 

Sleep  makes  He  on  His  loved  ones  wait. 

Lo,  children  are  a  heritage 

That  come,  in  favor,  from  the  Lord; 
The  fruit  the  womb  of  every  age 

Shall  bear,  is  His  own  blest  reward. 

As  arrows  in  a  strong  man's  hand, 

So,  children  sprung  from  youthful  stem. 

With  happiness  the  life  is  spanned 
Of  him  whose  quiver  's  full  of  them. 

To  them,  indeed,  shall  come  no  shame, 
E'en  when  their  foes  for  them  shall  wait, 

And  they  shall  with  them  converse  claim, — 
Their  enemies  within  the  gate. 
97 


THE  BLESSED  HOME 

BLEST  truly  are  all  they  that  fear 
The  Lord,  and  walk  within  His  ways. 
For  what  thy  hands  by  toiling  raise 
Thou  'It  eat  for  sustenance  and  cheer. 

Thou  shalt  be  happy,  and  with  thee 
It  shall  be  well:  as  for  thy  wife, — 
Like  to  a  vine  of  fruitful  life 

Within  thy  house  she  '11  ever  be. 

Thy  children  like  rich  plants  shall  grow, — 
Like  olive-plants,  thy  table  round — 
Behold,  that  blessed  shall  be  found 

The  man  who  fear  of  God  doth  know. 

Thee,  out  of  Zion  God  shall  bless: 

And  thou,  through  all  life's  many  days 
Upon  Jerusalem  shall  gaze, 

Beholding  all  its  blessedness. 

Yea,  thou  with  thine  own  eyes  shalt  see 

The  children  of  a  later  race, — 

Thy  children's  children  through,  God's  grace. 
Peace,  peace  on  Israel  resting  be! 
98 


THE    PENITENT    EXILE 

FROM  out  the  depths  to  Thee,  O  Lord 
I  've  cried;  my  voice,  Jehovah,  hear: 
Thine  ears  be  now  attentive  toward 

My  voice;  Thy  suppliant  be  Thou  near. 

If  Thou  man's  sins,  Lord,  marking  be, 
Who,  then,  Jehovah,  who  shall  stand  ? 

But  there  's  forgiveness  full  with  Thee, 

That  Thou  may'st  righteous  fear  command. 

I  for  Jehovah  wait ;  doth  wait 

My  soul,  and  hope  I  in  His  Word — 

Looks  early  for  the  Lord  and  late 

My  soul,  with  earnest  longing  stirred — 

More,  more  than  watchmen  for  the  morn 
Look  through  the  night  with  eager  eyes; 

Yea,  more  than  watchmen,  till  be  torn 
Night's  veil,  and  morning's  sun  doth  rise. 

Hope,  hope  ye  in  Jehovah  blest, 

O  ye  His  people,  Israel! 
Unto  the  Lord  make  full  request — 

His  mercy  is  a  springing  well. 
99 


100  SONGS   FROM   THE   PSALTER 

His  mercy  's  free;  with  Him  is  found 
Redemption,  plenteous  as  the  rain— 

For  Israel  cleansing  shall  abound 
From  Him,  for  every  sinful  stain. 


MEDITATION   ON    SIMPLICITY 

HAUGHTY  is  not  my  heart,  O  Lord, 
Nor  raised  in  loftiness  mine  eyes; 
Nor  let  I  things  of  great  emprise 
Work  for  my  energies  afford; 

Nor  do  I  let  myself  be  wiled 

By  things  too  high;  I  've  quieted 
My  soul,  and  stillness  round  it  shed 

Like  mother  with  a  weaned  child. 

Peace  on  my  soul  dost  Thou  outpour; 

Like  weaned  child,  my  soul  's  with  me. 

In  God,  O  Israel,  hoping  be 
From  this  time  forth,  forevermore. 


IOI 


ELEGY   OF   THE    CAPTIVITY 

WHERE  Babylon's  fair  streams  were  flowing, 
There  we  sat  down ;  yea,  there  we  wept ; — 
When  we  in  mind  to  Zion  going 

Thought  of  our  home  before  us  kept. 

Upon  the  willows,  river-shading, 

Our  harps  we  hung,  the  banks  along, 

For  there  our  lords,  our  woe  invading, 
Asked  us  their  captives  for  a  song: 

And  they  who  tore  our  hearts  all  tender 
Required  that  mirthful  we  should  be; 

And  cried:   "  Now  we  would  have  you  render 
A  song  of  Zion's  melody." 

The  Lord's  own  song! — How  can  it  yet  be 
That  we  should  sing  it  far  from  home  ? 

Jerusalem !  if  I  forget  thee 
While  in  captivity  I  roam, 

Be  my  right  hand  her  skill  forgetting; 

And  to  one  spot  my  tongue  adhere 
If  o'er  all  joy  I  be  not  setting 

Jerusalem,  in  radiance  clear. 
102 


ELEGY   OF   THE   CAPTIVITY  1 03 

'Gainst  Edom's  children  be  recalling 

That  day,  Lord,  of  Jerusalem; 
When,  "  Rase  it!  "  cried  they;  "  now  be  falling 

Its  basal  stones;  yea,  scatter  them." 

Daughter  of  Babylon,  for  wasting, 

For  fell  destruction  set  aside, — 
Be  happy  he  who  thee  is  hasting 

To  woe  that  for  thy  guilt  shall  bide, — 

As  thou  ourselves  one  time  wert  serving; 

Be  happy  he  that  with  hard  shock 
Thy  children  takes,  with  strength  unswerving, 

And  dasheth  them  against  the  rock. 


THE   AVENGING   LORD 

THE  Lord  who  is  my  Rock  be  blest, 
Who  trains  my  hands  for  war's  behest,- 
My  fingers  for  the  fight. 
My  Goodness  and  my  Fortress  He, 
My  Tower  high;  He  rescues  me; 

He  is  my  shield  of  might. 
In  Him  I  trust  for  every  hour; 
He  makes  my  people  feel  my  power, 
Submissive  in  my  sight. 

Lord,  what  is  man  that  he  should  find 
Such  knowledge  of  him  in  Thy  mind! 

Or  what  the  son  of  man 
That  Thou  should'st  make  account  of  him! 
Like  vanity,  he  's  light  and  dim, — 

A  shadow  is  his  span. 
Thy  heavens  bow,  O  Lord;  come  down 
And  simply  touch  each  mountain's  crown, — 

They  '11  smoke  beneath  Thy  ban. 

Thy  lightning  from  the  sky  cast  forth, 
And  scatter  them  from  south  and  north; 

Shoot  out  Thine  arrows  swift — 
Destroy  them;  let  Thy  hand  descend 
And  save  me;  in  wild  waves  defend; 
104 


THE   AVENGING   LORD  105 

And  kindly  me  uplift 
From  strangers'  snares:  their  mouth  is  vain, 
Their  right  hand's  way  is  never  plain, 

But  makes  to  falsehood  drift. 


A  new  song  unto  Thee  I  '11  sing; 
My  psaltery  for  Thee  I  '11  bring, — 

My  ten-stringed  instrument. 
I  '11  gladly  utter  praise  to  Thee. 
Who  safety  gives  to  kings  ?     'T  is  He; 

He  David  saves;  and  bent 
Shall  be  the  sword  that  him  would  bruise. 
O  save  us,  and  strange  foes  confuse 

Whose  mouth  to  sham  is  lent, — 

Whose  right  hand  is  a  false  right  hand. 
When  all  our  sons  throughout  the  land 

Shall  be  as  young  plants  grown; 
When  all  our  daughters,  too,  shall  be 
As  corner-stones,  most  fair  to  see, 

By  palace  ne'er  outshone; 
When  all  our  garners  full,  run  o'er, 
Affording  every  kind  of  store 

That  husbandmen  can  own; 


When  lambs  by  thousands  shall  be  born, 
And  tens  of  thousands  shall  adorn 

Our  fields  with  snowy  fleece; 
When  all  our  oxen  shall  have  strength 
To  labor,  though  it  be  at  length; 


106  SONGS   FROM   THE    PSALTER 

When  breakings-in  shall  cease; 
When  there  be  no  outgoing  feet, 
Nor  mur'ring  sounds  in  any  street, 

For  plaints  shall  yield  to  peace: — 

Great  happiness,  indeed,  hath  place 
With  people  found  in  such  a  case; 

Their  joys  no  more  shall  wane. 
Yea,  happy  are  the  people  who 
Choose  Him  who  's  ever  just  and  true, 

Who  blessing  brings  from  bane. 
Happy  are  they  who  've  Him  adored, 
Happy  the  race  whose  God  's  the  Lord 

Who  evermore  shall  reign. 


CREATION'S   PRAISE 

HALLELUJAH  !  praise  the  Lord,— 
From  the  heav'ns  His  praises  sing: 
Let  His  praises  be  outpoured; 
In  the  heights  now  let  them  ring. 

Ye,  His  Angels,  speak  His  praise: 
Praise  Him,  all  His  Hosts  on  high: 

Praise  Him,  Sun  and  Moon,  upraise 
Praise  to  God  who  cannot  die: 

Praise  Him,  all  ye  Stars  of  Light, 
Heav'ns  of  heav'ns,  His  praises  tell: 

And  ye  Streams,  beyond  our  sight, 

Let  them  praise  God's  name  right  well 

For  He  uttered  His  command, 

And  they  were  created  all 
He  hath  set  them  with  His  hand 

So  they  never-more  shall  fall. 

He  hath  made  a  sure  decree 
Which  shall  men  forever  keep — 

From  the  earth  God  praised  be: 
Praise  Him,  Dragons  in  the  deep; 
107 


:o8  SONGS   FROM    THE   PSALTER 

Fire  and  Hail  and  Vapor,  Snow; 

Stormy  Wind  that  doth  His  word; 
Mountains  and  the  Hills  below, 

That  with  strength  His  hand  doth  gird; 

Fruitful  Trees,  and  Cedars  too; 

Beasts  and  Cattle  everywhere; 
Creeping  Things,  Fowl  flying  through 

And  swiftly  wafted  in  the  air; 

Kings  and  Peoples  of  the  earth; 

Earthly  Princes,  Judges  all; 
Youths  and  Maidens,  full  of  mirth, 

Aged  Men  and  Children  small: — 

Let  them  praise  Jehovah's  name, 
For  His  name  alone  is  high; 

And  His  glory,  e'er  the  same, 
Is  above  the  earth  and  sky. 

He  hath  lifted  up  the  horn 

Of  the  people  of  His  love; 
Praise  hath  God,  Jehovah, — borne 

From  His  saints  to  Him  above; — 

E'en  of  Israel  so  dear, — 

People  whom  He  loved  right  well, — 
People  to  Jehovah  near: 

Praise  the  Lord,  Immanuel. 


THE    PRAISES    OF    THE    SAINTS 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord:  unto  Jehovah  sing 
A  glad  new  song; 
Among  His  saints  now  let  His  praises  ring 
In  rapture  strong. 

Let  Israel  in  his  Creator  blest 

All  joyful  be: 
Let  Zion's  children  in  their  King  take  rest 

In  gladness  free: 

His  name,  let  them  in  joyous  dancing  praise 

And  magnify: 
With  timbrel  and  with  harp  let  them  upraise 

His  praises  high. 

For  true  enjoyment  doth  Jehovah  take 

E'en  in  His  own; 
The  meek,  fair  with  salvation  will  He  make 

From  His  bright  throne. 

Joyful  in  glory,  let  the  saints  of  earth 

Uplift  their  heads: 
Let  them  their  songs  upraise  with  hearty  mirth 

Upon  their  beds. 

log 


IIO  SONGS   FROM   THE    PSALTER 

Within  their  mouth  let  God's  high  praises  be 

With  strength  outpoured, 
And  in  their  hand  let  them  be  wielding  free 

A  two-edged  sword: — 

Upon  the  heathen  nations  to  command 

Vengeance  all  stern, 
And  punishments  on  them  who  from  God's  hand 

To  evil  turn ; 

To  bind  their  kings  with  chains  they  cannot  break, 

Nor  soon  discard, 
And  for  their  nobles  suffering  to  make 

With  fetters  hard; 

On  them  to  see  that  judgment  just  shall  fall 

In  writing  stored: — 
This  honor  have  His  holy  people  all — 

Praise  ye  the  Lord. 


FINALE 

O  BLESSED  Lord,  to  whom  the  choir 
Of  Angels  bring  their  sweetest  song; 
Whose  Heart  of  Love  can  never  tire 

Of  loyal  praise  the  ages  long: — 
Accept  these  lays,  from  Thine  own  Word, — 

A  never-failing  Treasury  brought: 
And  through  Thy  grace,  where'er  they  're  heard, 
Be  Thy  pure  ways  more  purely  sought. 

May  Thine  own  Singers  of  the  Past 

Through  these  new  songs  new  honors  gain; 
Thy  truth  through  them  be  held  more  fast; 

Thy  changeless  love  appear  more  plain. 
Blend  with  their  halting  harmony 

Chords  of  the  music  all  divine; 
Let  them  be  sung  with  fervor  free 

By  hearts  uplifted,  Lord,  to  Thine. 

Let  Thy  blest  Spirit  bring  them  near 

The  souls  by  sin  and  care  distressed; 
Their  melody  the  faithless  fear, 

The  restless  passion  sing  to  rest: 
Their  notes  of  deathless  joy  and  praise 

Let  Thy  redeemed  ones  make  their  own. 
While  they  their  glad  thanksgiving  raise 

To  Thee  who  sittest  on  the  throne, 
in 


mwm 


